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The Old Trafford club have terminated the contract of manager Ruben Amorim after a little over a year in charge. The move comes following a reported power struggle over January funds and despite the team's unbeaten run.

The Breaking Point

Relations between Amorim and the club's hierarchy, particularly director of football Jason Wilcox, had been fracturing for a period. The decisive moment is believed to have been comments made by Amorim after the recent 1-1 draw with their rivals. He is said to have challenged the recruitment team to "do their job," highlighting a fundamental rift.

"My role is to be the manager of Manchester United – not to be the coach. That is clear. I know my name is not Tuchel, Mourinho or Conte 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 Struggling Reign

On paper, Amorim's time at Old Trafford was undistinguished. He departs with a record of victories of a sub-40% win rate and a points-per-game average of a meager 1.24 in the top flight. The team suffered more defeats than it won in 2025.

Paradoxically, his final games showed a slight improvement. United were defeated only once of his last eight matches and currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, just three points off the coveted Champions League spots.

Final Games in Charge

• 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)

Club Announcement

In its release, the club presented the decision as one aimed at securing the best possible league finish.

"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."

Looking Ahead

In the immediate aftermath, former player the Scot will take charge on an caretaker basis. He is scheduled to be in the technical area for the next Premier League fixture against Burnley.

For the long-term position, bookmakers and analysts are speculating a number of potential candidates. Names being linked include Spanish tactician Xavi, Oliver Glasner, Three Lions manager Southgate, and another promising coach.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The sacking has generated debate among supporters and observers. Some point to the poor performances and style as justification, while others believe the club's hierarchy must shoulder significant blame for instability.

One viewpoint suggests: "{Between the generally poor performances and results, the very low win ratio and the inflexible approach, Amorim has no one else to blame but himself... INEOS 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."

A counter-argument states: "It seems unreasonable to blame results when United are joint fifth in the table... They’ve beaten top sides... and have lost only twice since the start of October. Just watching them you can see they’re a better team than last year."

The hunt for a new manager and the pursuit for consistency at Manchester United begins once again.