Manchester United Sack Ruben Amorim After 14 Months of Turbulence

Key Takeaways:

• Ruben Amorim was dismissed as Manchester United manager following a public criticism of the club’s board after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United
• Across his 63 matches in charge, Amorim achieved only 24 wins – a win rate of 38.10%, the lowest at the club since Frank O’Farrell in 1971
• Amorim was outspoken about his lack of control over transfers and his dissatisfaction with club management throughout his tenure

A Disastrous Spell: Results and Records

Manchester United have parted ways with Ruben Amorim after a fraught 14-month spell marred by lacklustre results and mounting friction behind the scenes. The Portuguese manager’s sacking was confirmed in the aftermath of a 1-1 draw against Leeds United, where he openly criticised the club’s board and aired grievances over his formal title and transfer dealings.

🚨💣 BREAKING: Rúben Amorim has just been SACKED by Manchester United.

Decision made this morning. pic.twitter.com/Xmz3x8mkO6

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2026

During his time at Old Trafford, Amorim managed 63 matches, picking up just 24 victories, while settling for 18 draws and suffering 21 defeats. This equated to a win rate of 38.10%, which stands as the lowest for any United manager since Frank O’Farrell, who managed a 37.04% win rate before his own dismissal in 1971.

Managerial Challenges and Friction with the Board

Amorim, aged 40, quickly found himself at odds with the club’s hierarchy. His post-match tirade after the Leeds fixture was the latest in a series of outspoken press conferences. He insisted that his title be changed from “head coach” to “manager” and directed pointed criticism toward director of football Jason Wilcox, particularly regarding failed transfers such as the pursuit of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

Despite publicly declaring he would not resign and pressing for more authority over transfers, United’s board ultimately decided to terminate his contract. The former Sporting Lisbon boss struggled to instill defensive solidity; the club went 15 away matches without a clean sheet after Brenden Aaronson scored at Elland Road, marking the longest such run in United’s history.

Last season under Amorim, United lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur and only managed to secure a 15th-place finish in the Premier League.

Transfer Dealings Under Amorim

The Portuguese manager’s tenure was also marked by numerous signings, with a focus on bolstering the squad through the transfer market.

Performance Data: Amorim’s United Record

Under Amorim’s leadership, United only managed back-to-back wins once, when they put together three consecutive victories during a five-match unbeaten streak in October. His insistence on the 3-4-3 formation drew criticism, and only recently did he concede that the system would be unviable without significantly increased financial backing.

Behind the Scenes: Tensions and Fallout

Tensions between Amorim and the club hierarchy intensified throughout his spell. A heated discussion took place on December 8 following United’s 4-1 win at Molineux, involving Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Wilcox, and CEO Omar Berrada. Further complications arose when United saw several key players – Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui – depart for the Africa Cup of Nations after a 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, compounded by club captain Bruno Fernandes limping off during a loss at Villa Park.

In his pre-match press conference on Christmas Eve before United’s clash with Newcastle United, Amorim acknowledged the potential lack of funds to perfect his favoured 3-4-3 system. After the 1-0 win over Newcastle, he stated: “I have one idea, Jason and board have another idea – every decision that we make, we need to reach a common ground, that is really important.

“Because you don’t need to make everything for the manager because the manager can change and you need to change everything but the manager understands the way of playing.”

Early January saw Amorim become visibly frustrated, providing brief and pointed responses to the media, particularly regarding transfer policy and recruitment. When pressed on why he was unaware of the recruitment situation when joining in November 2024, he responded, “I don’t want to talk about that. I just focus on the Leeds game.”

He later maintained, “I don’t want to talk about that,” when asked about possible changes to the club’s transfer budget. When the United media official looked to move on, Amorim quipped: “But you are very smart, so…”

Following a detailed critique of Amorim’s 3-4-3 system from Fulham manager Marco Silva after a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in August, Christopher Vivell – United’s head of recruitment – reportedly encouraged Amorim to adapt tactically. Despite efforts from United officials to project harmony behind the scenes, Amorim increasingly believed the nature of his role had changed from what he was initially promised.