Manchester United have parted ways with manager Ruben Amorim, a decision that has prompted a swift and telling reaction from former player Alejandro Garnacho.
The End of a Turbulent Tenure
The club confirmed the dismissal of the Portuguese coach on the morning of Monday, January 5, 2026. This move came less than 24 hours after a 1-1 draw with bitter rivals Leeds United at Elland Road, a result that left the Red Devils languishing in sixth place in the Premier League table and struggling for consistent form.
Amorim's departure is marked by an unenviable record: he leaves with the lowest win percentage (38.71%) of any permanent Manchester United manager since the Premier League began in 1992. His tenure at Old Trafford was scheduled to last another 18 months, but a dramatic post-match outburst appears to have accelerated his exit.
Explosive Rant and Garnacho's Digital Dig
Following the Leeds match, Amorim launched into a 122-word rant that seemed squarely aimed at the United hierarchy. In his comments, he stressed that he had joined the club to be the "manager" and not just "the coach," and strongly hinted he had no desire to stay beyond the end of his contract.
The news of his sacking, broken by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Instagram, was almost instantly 'liked' by Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine winger, who left United for Chelsea in a £40 million deal last summer, had a well-documented and fractious relationship with Amorim. Fans widely interpreted his social media activity as a clear and deliberate dig at his former boss.
Fallout and What Comes Next
The 21-year-old Garnacho's falling out with the manager was public and reportedly threatened to turn ugly on multiple occasions towards the end of his time in Manchester. His instant reaction to the dismissal news underscores the depth of those past tensions.
With Amorim now gone from the Theatre of Dreams, the Manchester United board must immediately begin the search for a successor to steady the ship. The club's position in the top six is far from secure, and the new appointment will be under immense pressure to restore both results and harmony to the dressing room.
The swift nature of this decision, following a public critique from the manager, indicates the United hierarchy had little appetite for a prolonged power struggle. All eyes now turn to who will take the helm next at one of football's most scrutinised clubs.
