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Manchester United have terminated the contract of manager their Portuguese head coach after a brief and turbulent 14-month stint in charge. The announcement comes amid a reported power struggle 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 Jason Wilcox, had been fracturing for some time. The immediate catalyst is believed to have been statements made by Amorim following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Leeds United. He reportedly told the recruitment team to "fulfill their responsibilities," emphasizing 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 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

By the numbers, the Portuguese manager's time at the club was poor. He leaves with a record of victories of less than 39 per cent and a league points average of just 1.24 in the top flight. The team lost more games than it won in 2025.

Interestingly, his last matches in charge showed some resilience. United were defeated only once of his final eight matches and currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table, just three points off the coveted fourth place.

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 release, the club framed 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 Darren Fletcher will assume control on an caretaker basis. He is scheduled to be in the dugout for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Burnley.

For the long-term position, bookmakers and pundits are suggesting a number of potential candidates. Names being linked include Spanish tactician Xavi Hernández, the Austrian manager, Three Lions manager Southgate, and Enzo Maresca.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The sacking has provoked debate among supporters and commentators. Some cite the underwhelming results and tactics as justification, while others believe the ownership and directors must bear a large responsibility 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... INEOS and their ‘best-in-class’ claims should, however, feel a large brunt of the fan’s rage; this was a mess from beginning to end."

A counter-argument states: "It seems unreasonable to blame results when United are in the top six 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 improved side than last year."

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