SOCCER: Man United fans torn over sacking of Amorim

Manchester United fans expressed mixed reactions after the club dismissed Ruben Amorim, with some relieved over his rigid tactics and odd team selections, while others criticized the constant managerial turnover since Sir Alex Ferguson's era. Supporters highlighted frustration over timing, key player absences, and the club's ongoing struggle to find stability at the helm.

REUTERS

January 6, 2026

Manchester United fans react to Ruben Amorim’s sacking: relief, frustration, and calls for stability at Old Trafford.

Phil Noble/Reuters

MANCHESTER, England – Manchester United supporters had mixed reactions on Monday after the club announced the dismissal of manager Ruben Amorim. Some expressed relief, citing frustration over rigid tactics, unusual team selections, and confusing press conferences. Others voiced anger over yet another managerial change in the club’s long-running effort to restore the glory days experienced under Alex Ferguson.

“A lot of fans are not happy with his substitutions,” a supporter outside Old Trafford said. “The actual team selection, his formation, and the way he's been speaking lately … he’s a very stubborn manager. He won’t take criticism. It’s either my way or no way.”

Another fan suggested Amorim’s defiant response following the team’s 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Leeds United on Sunday was the tipping point.

“That was the beginning of the end,” the supporter said. “It isn’t the United way to air your dirty laundry in public. I’m not sure if some of what he said got lost in translation, but you could see he was under pressure. Honestly, I think he wanted out. Maybe it’s time for Jose Mourinho to come back.”

Frustration over frequent managerial turnover was also evident. Amorim was the 10th manager—interim or permanent—since Ferguson retired in 2013.

“Yeah, I’m not happy about it, to be honest,” another fan said. “Regardless of what you think about Amorim personally or professionally, recycling managers over and over isn’t going to change results. The club should have at least given him until the end of the season. Progress comes from stability, from sticking with one manager and one style of play. I’m not happy to see him go.”

Some supporters highlighted the timing of the sacking, as United are currently missing several key players due to injury or the Africa Cup of Nations.

“He did make progress,” a fan said. “I’ve seen some good football despite missing key players like Bruno Fernandes because of AFCON. But the clash with the board, especially with Director of Football Jason Wilcox, seems to have been the final straw.”

-Reporting by Lori Ewing; Editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters