The real reason Ruben Amorim was sacked
United confirmed on Monday that Amorim’s 14 month spell as head coach had come to an end, a move that surprised supporters given the public backing he had received earlier in the season.
A decision that unfolded quietly
According to Transfer News Live, Manchester United’s leadership acted after concluding that results and performances were unlikely to improve under the current setup.
The club said the decision was taken reluctantly, despite Amorim having been in charge for little more than a year. His departure came just three months after co owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe suggested the coach would need more than three years to be judged fairly.
United leave Amorim behind with the team sitting sixth in the Premier League. Across all competitions, he recorded 24 wins from 63 matches.
Read also: French press deliver verdict on Endrick after Lyon debut
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox were responsible for the final call, following internal discussions earlier that morning.
Backing that gradually weakened
Amorim had survived a difficult previous campaign. United finished 15th in the league, lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur and exited the Carabao Cup against Grimsby.
Ratcliffe publicly defended the manager in October, a move that appeared to signal stability at board level. However, according to Transfer News Live, confidence in the project began to fade as the winter period approached and performances failed to show sustained improvement.
While there was no immediate trigger, patience inside the club had become increasingly thin.
Read also: Luis Enrique’s next club revealed amid Rodrygo talks
Injuries and mounting frustration
A key factor behind the growing tension was the state of the squad. Amorim repeatedly found himself short of options as injuries disrupted selection.
Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt all spent time sidelined, while several other players were unavailable due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to sources cited by Transfer News Live, Amorim believed the squad was being stretched beyond its limits. That belief contributed to strained relations between the coaching staff and senior executives.
Elland Road becomes the turning point
The situation reached a head after the 1,1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road. Amorim reacted sharply to questions about board support during a tense post match press conference and made it clear he would not step aside voluntarily.
Read also: Cristiano Ronaldo’s title dream is slipping away at Al-Nassr
Journalist Ben Jacobs reported that Amorim told the board they needed to either fully back him or remove him from the role. United’s hierarchy chose the second option.
A reset already underway
Former midfielder Darren Fletcher will take interim charge beginning with Wednesday’s Premier League match against Burnley.
According to Transfer News Live, United are already discussing longer term options, with Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Xavi among the names under consideration as the club prepares for another managerial transition.
Sources: Transfer News Live, Manchester United club statement, Ben Jacobs reporting
Read also: United captain faces uncertain future after Amorim exit
Read also: Former world No. 3 announces retirement ahead of Australian Open
