Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Ruben Amorim has been dismissed as Manchester United’s head coach after just 14 months in charge, bringing an abrupt end to a turbulent spell marked by internal disagreements, inconsistent results, and growing tension over the club’s transfer policy. The Portuguese coach leaves Old Trafford following a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s leadership, particularly over recruitment decisions and his role within the sporting structure.
Amorim had become increasingly frustrated with United’s hierarchy, believing the club had failed to back him as promised in the transfer market. He felt assurances were given that the squad would be strengthened if the right player became available, especially during the January window, only for those expectations to be scaled back. Days before his dismissal, Amorim publicly admitted there were no ongoing discussions about improving the squad, a clear sign of his growing dissatisfaction.
That frustration spilled into the open after a draw with Leeds, when Amorim openly challenged the recruitment department and questioned whether the club truly shared his vision. He insisted he had joined Manchester United to be the manager, not simply a head coach with limited authority, even though the club had officially given him the latter title. Amorim made it clear he would not resign, stating he would continue working until his contract expired or the board decided to replace him.
Behind the scenes, Amorim’s relationship with director of football Jason Wilcox had deteriorated. Wilcox, who reports to chief executive Omar Berrada, was central to shaping United’s transfer strategy, and it is believed Amorim was informed of the club’s January plans under Wilcox’s authority. United’s leadership became hesitant to approve signings suited to Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system, concerned that such players might not fit the ideas of a future coach if Amorim failed to deliver long-term success.
In a statement released on Monday, Manchester United confirmed the decision to part ways, describing it as reluctant but necessary. With the team sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club said the change was made to give United the best possible chance of finishing the season strongly. Amorim was thanked for his efforts and wished well for the future.
Amorim, however, suggested his influence within the club had been undermined, claiming that external criticism from pundits was being taken more seriously than his own professional judgment. He warned that if the club could not handle constant scrutiny and criticism, then deeper changes were needed beyond the dugout.
United maintain that Amorim was fully supported during his time at the club and insist his removal was based on a lack of clear progress and development. Appointed in November 2024 on a contract running until 2027, Amorim oversaw one of the most difficult periods in the club’s modern history. Last season ended with United finishing 15th in the Premier League, their lowest-ever position, and losing the Europa League final.
Despite heavy investment in the squad, including a summer net spend of £165 million on players such as Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, results failed to improve consistently. This season also began poorly, highlighted by a shock Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby. Although there was a modest recovery in form that lifted United to sixth place, the gap between them and the bottom half of the table remained slim, and Amorim won just 15 of his 46 league matches.
Amorim remained loyal to his tactical philosophy throughout much of his tenure, sticking with a back-three system that had brought him success at Sporting. However, that rigidity drew criticism as performances struggled to convince. Manchester United will now begin the search for yet another permanent coach, their seventh since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013. In the meantime, Darren Fletcher will take temporary charge of the team for the upcoming match against Burnley.