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The Old Trafford club have announced the departure of manager their Portuguese head coach after just 14 months in charge. The announcement comes following a growing power struggle over transfer policy and even with the team's unbeaten run.

The Breaking Point

Relations between Amorim and the club's football department, specifically director of football the recruitment chief, had been strained for weeks. The immediate catalyst is believed to have been public remarks made by Amorim following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Leeds United. He reportedly told the recruitment team to "fulfill their responsibilities," underscoring a clear disconnect.

"I was hired as 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 Miserable Tenure

By the numbers, the Portuguese manager's time at the club was difficult. He departs with a record of victories of under 40% and a league points average of 1.24 in the top flight. The team suffered more defeats than it won in the calendar year 2025.

Interestingly, his final games showed a slight improvement. United were defeated only once of his last eight matches and now find themselves in sixth place in the Premier League table, just a narrow margin off the prized Champions League spots.

End of an Era Results

• 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 statement, the club framed the decision as one aimed at achieving the best possible seasonal position.

"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."

The Immediate Future

In the short term, former player Darren Fletcher will assume control on an caretaker basis. He is expected to be in the dugout for the upcoming Premier League fixture against the Clarets.

For the long-term position, bookmakers and pundits are suggesting a number of potential candidates. Names in the frame include former Barcelona coach Xavi, Oliver Glasner, England national team boss Southgate, and another promising coach.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The news has generated mixed reactions among the fanbase and observers. Some cite the underwhelming performances and style as valid reasons, while others argue the ownership and directors must bear a large responsibility for continuous turmoil.

One viewpoint suggests: "{Between the generally poor 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 crazy to blame results when the team are in the top six in the table... They’ve beaten top sides... and have lost only twice since 1 October. Just watching them you can see they’re a improved side than last year."

The search for a new manager and the quest for stability at Manchester United begins anew.