🔗 Share this article Ruben Amorim Relieved of Duties by the Red Devils. The Old Trafford club have terminated the contract of manager their Portuguese head coach after just 14 months in charge. The decision comes amid a reported disagreement over recruitment strategy and despite the team's unbeaten run. The Breaking Point The relationship between Amorim and the club's football department, specifically director of football Jason Wilcox, had been deteriorating for weeks. The immediate catalyst is believed to have been comments made by the coach after Sunday's 1-1 draw with their rivals. He is said to have challenged the recruitment team to "focus on their duties," highlighting 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 among the elite names 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, the Portuguese manager's time at Old Trafford was undistinguished. He leaves with a win ratio of a sub-40% win rate and a league points average of 1.24 in the Premier League. The team lost more games than it won in 2025. Paradoxically, his last matches in charge showed glimpses of stability. United lost just one of his last eight matches and currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table, just three points off the prized Champions League spots. 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) United's Position In its official communication, the club presented the decision as one aimed at achieving the best possible 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." What Comes Next? In the immediate aftermath, club legend the Scot will take charge on an interim basis. He is expected to be in the dugout for the upcoming league fixture against the Clarets. For the long-term position, oddsmakers and pundits are suggesting a range of potential candidates. 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 sacking has sparked debate among the fanbase and commentators. Some point to the poor performances and style as valid reasons, while others argue the ownership and directors must shoulder significant blame for continuous turmoil. A perspective suggests: "{Between the generally poor performances and results, the rather abhorrent 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 farce from beginning to end." 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 the start of October. Just watching them you can see they’re a improved side than last year." The hunt for a new manager and the pursuit for stability at Old Trafford begins anew.