🔗 Share this article Ruben Amorim Relieved of Duties by Manchester United. The Red Devils have terminated the contract of manager their Portuguese head coach after just 14 months in charge. The move comes following a growing disagreement over transfer policy and even with the team's improved league position. The Breaking Point Tensions between Amorim and the club's leadership, specifically director of football Jason Wilcox, had been fracturing for a period. The immediate catalyst is believed to have been statements made by the coach following the recent 1-1 draw with their rivals. He reportedly challenged the recruitment team to "focus on their duties," highlighting a clear disconnect. "I came here to be 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 Struggling Reign On paper, Amorim's time at Old Trafford was difficult. He leaves with a win ratio of under 40% and a points-per-game average of 1.24 in the top flight. The team suffered more defeats than it won in the calendar year 2025. Paradoxically, his final games showed glimpses of stability. United were defeated only once of his final eight matches and now find themselves sixth in the standings, just a narrow margin off the prized fourth place. The Last Five Matches 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) Official Statement In its release, the club presented the decision as one aimed at securing the highest 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." The Immediate Future In the immediate aftermath, former player Darren Fletcher will assume control on an caretaker basis. He is scheduled to be in the technical area for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Burnley. For the long-term position, bookmakers and analysts are suggesting a range of possible successors. Names in the frame include former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández, the Austrian manager, England national team boss Gareth Southgate, and another promising coach. The Court of Public Opinion The news has generated divided opinion among the fanbase and observers. Some point to the poor results and tactics as valid reasons, while others believe the ownership and directors must shoulder significant blame for continuous turmoil. A perspective suggests: "{Between the consistently bad performances and results, the very low 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 start to finish." An alternative take states: "It seems crazy to blame results when the team are in the top six in the table... They’ve beaten Liverpool, Chelsea... and have lost only twice since 1 October. Just watching them you can see they’re a better team than last year." The search for a permanent successor and the quest for stability at Manchester United begins once again.