Ruben Amorim’s exit from Manchester United was as ruthless as it was predictable.
His fate was sealed the moment he told Sunday’s post-match media conference at Leeds that he came to Manchester United to ‘be the manager, not to be the coach’.
Amorim demanded to be able to do his job without interference and yesterday’s extraordinary outburst had the feel of a ‘back me or sack me’ ultimatum to it.
The 40-year-old has been at the centre of a growing power struggle behind the scenes at the Old Trafford club – and there was only going to be one winner.
At 10.08am today the club’s official website confirmed Amorim had departed his role as head coach after 14 months in charge.
The statement read: “Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
“With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change.
“This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”
There have been rumours of growing tensions between Amorim and director of football Jason Wilcox over the Portuguese coach’s preferred playing style and a lack of funds for January’s transfer window.
Amorim even name-checked Manchester United legend Gary Neville in his now infamous final press conference at Leeds, hinting that the club had been too sensitive to outside criticism.
In the latest episode of The Gary Neville Podcast, Neville said the club is paying the price for years of mismanagement.
Mismanagement
“I was surprised Manchester United spent that money in the summer when they got knocked out of the Europa League,” he said
“Look at the accounts. They haven’t got any money. It’s a staggering thing to say but after 10-12 years of mismanagement, of really shocking recruitment, of wastage, of lack of investment in the stadium, all these things that have come to a fore in the last couple of years, means that Manchester United are currently tight on cash.
“They found something like £180m in the summer on three players (Benjamin Sesko; Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo) which was a massive, massive investment. Everybody was like ‘where did that money come from all of a sudden?’.
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“I’m not surprised that there isn’t any further money in January.”
Neville, who has forged a successful business career since hanging up his boots, added prophetically: “When press conferences of this ilk start it’s never usually good.”
Where does it leave Manchester United, which last year announced plans to pursue a new 100,000-seater stadium as the centrepiece of the regeneration of the Old Trafford area?
What now for Sir Jim Ratcliffe?
Where does it leave Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who had publicly backed Amorim?
As for Amorim, who had 18 months left on his contract, he’ll clearly be in line for a hefty compensation package.
It’s hard to believe that May 2026 marks the 13th anniversary of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement as the club’s legendary manager after 26-and-a-half years in charge.
A succession of high profile managers and coaches, including David Moyes; Louis van Gaal; José Mourinho; Ole Gunnar Solskjær; Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim, have failed to revive the club’s fortunes beyond some cup wins.
One fan I spoke to said the saga reflected badly on everyone at the club.
“Amorim was signed to play a particular style of football and you could see what he was trying to do,” he said.
“He sacrificed the Premier League to win last season’s Europa League but lost the cup final to Tottenham Hotspur.
It’s a mess
“It’s a mess. It’s not a good look when players take to Instagram and other players are signed on ridiculous contracts and then loaned to other clubs. Who would want to be the next coach?”