🔗 Share this article

Manchester United have terminated the contract of manager Ruben Amorim after a brief and turbulent 14-month stint in charge. The decision comes following a reported disagreement over January funds and even with the team's unbeaten run.

The Final Straw

Relations between the manager and the club's hierarchy, particularly director of football the recruitment chief, had been deteriorating for weeks. The decisive moment is believed to have been comments made by the coach after Sunday's 1-1 draw with their rivals. He reportedly told the recruitment team to "fulfill their responsibilities," emphasizing a major disagreement.

"I came here to be the manager of Manchester United – not to be the coach. That is clear. I know my name is not a household giant but I’m the manager. It’s going to be like this for 18 months or until the board decide to change. I’m not going to quit, I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me."

A Disappointing Spell

On paper, the Portuguese manager's time at the club was undistinguished. He departs with a win ratio of a sub-40% win rate and a league points average of 1.24 in the Premier League. The team suffered more defeats than it won in 2025.

Paradoxically, his final games showed glimpses of stability. United were defeated only once of his final eight matches and now find themselves sixth in the Premier League table, just three points off the coveted fourth place.

The Last Five Matches

• 4-4 draw vs Bournemouth (Home)
• 2-1 loss vs Aston Villa (Away)
• 1-0 win vs Newcastle United (Home)
• 1-1 draw vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (Home)
• 1-1 draw vs Leeds United (Away)

United's Position

In its release, the club framed the decision as one aimed at securing the highest league finish.

"With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has after careful consideration 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."

Looking Ahead

In the short term, former player Darren Fletcher will take charge on an temporary basis. He is scheduled to be in the technical area for the upcoming league fixture against Burnley.

For the long-term position, oddsmakers and analysts are speculating a number of potential candidates. Names being linked include Spanish tactician Xavi Hernández, the Austrian manager, England national team boss Gareth Southgate, and another promising coach.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The news has provoked divided opinion among supporters and commentators. Some point to the underwhelming performances and style as valid reasons, while others argue the club's hierarchy must shoulder significant blame for instability.

One viewpoint suggests: "{Between the consistently bad performances and results, the rather abhorrent win ratio and the tactical rigidity, he has no one else to blame but himself... The ownership and their ‘best-in-class’ claims should, however, feel a large brunt of the fan’s rage; this was a farce from beginning to end."

An alternative take states: "It seems unreasonable to blame results when United are joint fifth in the table... They’ve beaten Liverpool, Chelsea... and have lost only twice since the start of October. Just watching them you can see they’re a improved side than last year."

The hunt for a permanent successor and the quest for consistency at Manchester United begins anew.