SOCCER: Outbursts, honesty, tactical rigidity and poor results will be Amorim's epitaph

MANCHESTER – Manchester United’s decision to part ways with Ruben Amorim marks the latest failed chapter in the club’s post-Alex Ferguson era, a period defined by public spats, stubborn tactics, and disappointing results.

The Portuguese coach, who was hired in November 2024 to replace Erik ten Hag, frequently clashed with pundits and appeared to have a power struggle with senior club officials. He repeatedly defended his defensive approach despite a poor start to the league season, which only marginally improved over time.

Amorim, the latest in a long line of managers unable to revive the glory days under Ferguson, had hinted in recent weeks that he was frustrated with interference from the board.

Sunday’s explosive press conference following a 1‑1 draw with Leeds United seemed to be the final straw. Amorim even called out pundit Gary Neville by name, saying:

"If people cannot handle the Gary Nevilles and the criticisms of everything, we need to change the club. I just want to say that I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach. And every department – the scouting department, the sports director – needs to do their job."

Neville responded by comparing Amorim’s remarks to former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s cryptic complaints, which led to the Italian’s departure on New Year’s Day. Neville suggested Amorim’s comments signaled unrest at Old Trafford, noting, “these comments are never usually good.”

Tactical Rigidity

From the start, Amorim relied heavily on his trademark back-three system, alternating between 3-4-3 and 3-4-2-1 formations. Senior figures, including director of football Jason Wilcox, reportedly urged him to adopt more tactical flexibility. Amorim remained unmoved until late December, when he briefly shifted to a back-four due to mounting pressure, poor results, player injuries, and absences for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking about the transfer window last week, he added that his 3-4-3 system would only work if the club spent “a lot of money.”

A History of Struggles

Many expected Amorim’s dismissal after last season. Manchester United’s 15th-place league finish with 42 points marked their lowest in more than 50 years and their worst since the 1973–74 relegation season.

Their heavy loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in May prompted another outburst, with Amorim saying he would leave “without compensation” if the board felt he was not the right fit.

Known for his raw and emotional press conferences, Amorim often stood out in a league filled with measured managerial responses. Following a 3‑1 defeat to Brighton last season, he called his side “maybe the worst team in Manchester United history.”

Despite United spending approximately £250 million ($336.6 million) to strengthen the squad, results failed to meet expectations. One of the most shocking moments of his tenure was a humiliating League Cup loss to League Two club Grimsby Town in August.

Boardroom Tensions

Last March, co-owner Jim Ratcliffe had described Amorim as an “outstanding young manager” who would remain at the club long-term. In October, he suggested Amorim needed three more years to prove himself, likening his situation to Mikel Arteta’s early challenges at Arsenal.

Sunday’s press conference, however, indicated waning faith. Amorim declined to clarify whether he still enjoyed boardroom support, insisting he was “the manager, not the coach,” despite his head coach title. His comments about staying for 18 months “or when the board decide to change” hinted at contract disputes and a power struggle behind the scenes—likely the tipping point for his dismissal.

A club source confirmed on Monday:

"We have developed an expert leadership team that enables the club to operate at the highest levels. While the head coach is a key part of our ecosystem, they do not sit above it."

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-Reporting by Lori Ewing; editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters