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The Red Devils have terminated the contract of manager Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge. The move comes amid a significant power struggle over recruitment strategy and despite the team's unbeaten run.

What Sparked the Decision

The relationship between Amorim and the club's hierarchy, particularly director of football the recruitment chief, had been strained for a period. The immediate catalyst is believed to have been public remarks made by Amorim following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Leeds United. He reportedly told the recruitment team to "do their job," emphasizing a fundamental rift.

"My role is 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 Miserable Tenure

On paper, Amorim's time at Old Trafford was difficult. He departs with a record of victories of a sub-40% win rate and a points-per-game average of just 1.24 in the Premier League. The team lost more games than it won in 2025.

Interestingly, his last matches in charge showed a slight improvement. United lost just one of his last eight matches and now find themselves in sixth place in the standings, just three points off the prized fourth place.

Final Games in Charge

• 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)

United's Position

In its release, the club framed the decision as one aimed at achieving the highest seasonal position.

"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 short term, former player the Scot will assume control on an temporary basis. He is scheduled to be in the dugout for the next league fixture against Burnley.

For the long-term position, oddsmakers and pundits are suggesting a range of possible successors. Names in the frame include Spanish tactician Xavi Hernández, Oliver Glasner, England national team boss Gareth Southgate, and another promising coach.

The Court of Public Opinion

The news has generated debate among supporters and commentators. Some cite the poor performances and style as justification, while others argue the ownership and directors must bear a large responsibility for continuous turmoil.

A perspective suggests: "{Between the consistently bad performances and results, the very low win ratio and the inflexible approach, 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 unreasonable to blame results when United 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 improved side than last year."

The search for a new manager and the quest for stability at Old Trafford begins once again.