Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Ruben Amorim, ending a turbulent and brief tenure marked by internal power struggles and disappointing results. The 39-year-old Portuguese coach was dismissed on Monday, becoming the seventh permanent manager to leave the club since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013.
The Press Conference That Sealed His Fate
Amorim's exit was precipitated by a cryptic yet pointed outburst following Sunday's 1-1 draw away to Leeds United. In comments that required decoding, he drew a stark distinction between his role and his ambitions. "I'm going to be the manager of this team, not the coach," Amorim stated. "And that is going to finish in 18 months. And then everyone is going to move on."
His official title was 'head coach', but his remarks were a clear challenge to the club's hierarchy over control of football operations, specifically transfers. He emphasised that every department, including scouting and the sporting director, needed to do their job while he did his—for the remaining 18 months of his deal. This public airing of grievances was interpreted as a final, frustrated act in a reported clash with technical director Jason Wilcox.
A Costly Experiment That Failed to Deliver
The club's decision to dismiss Amorim was not based on one press conference alone. On the pitch, signs of sustained progress were elusive. A promising run of three consecutive victories in October against Sunderland, Liverpool, and Brighton offered fleeting hope. However, the team has managed just three wins in their subsequent eleven Premier League matches.
Amorim's tactical stubbornness also came under scrutiny. Having arrived insisting on an unwavering 3-4-2-1 formation, he eventually switched to a back four, partly due to absences for the Africa Cup of Nations. While pragmatism was welcomed, it raised questions about his earlier fundamentalism and whether he had lost faith in his own philosophy.
The financial investment in his project was substantial. Over two transfer windows, United backed Amorim's squad reshaping to the tune of approximately £430 million, recouping only around £165 million in sales. This summer alone saw £200 million spent on three forwards, a strategy many deemed excessive.
What Comes Next for the Forever Crisis Club?
Amorim's departure leaves Manchester United in a familiar state of drift and uncertainty. His comments hinted at limited future transfer funds—a situation partly of his own making after guiding a team that finished eighth and won the FA Cup to a 15th-place finish last season, followed by a Europa League final loss that cost Champions League revenue.
The club now faces a critical strategic decision. Do they appoint a successor, like Oliver Glasner, who might continue with a similar tactical system? Or do they seek a manager with a completely different approach, necessitating another expensive squad overhaul?
The reality for United is stark. The crisis that ensued when Erik ten Hag finished eighth in 2023-24 has deepened. Merely flirting with European qualification spots now feels like the club's level. With each passing season, the path back to the summit of English football grows steeper and more complex, and the latest managerial casualty has done little to chart a new course.
