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The Old Trafford club have parted ways with manager Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge. The move comes amid a growing power struggle over recruitment strategy and even with the team's recent upturn in form.

The Breaking Point

The relationship between Amorim and the club's football department, specifically director of football the recruitment chief, had been fracturing for weeks. The decisive moment is believed to have been statements made by Amorim following the recent 1-1 draw with Leeds United. He publicly challenged the recruitment team to "do their job," highlighting a major disagreement.

"I came here 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

Statistically, Amorim's time at Old Trafford was difficult. He leaves with a record of victories of a sub-40% win rate and a points-per-game average of a meager 1.24 in the top flight. The team suffered more defeats 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 coveted 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)

United's Position

In its release, the club presented the decision as one aimed at securing the highest seasonal position.

"With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has after careful consideration 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, club legend Darren Fletcher will take charge on an caretaker basis. He is expected to be in the technical area for the next league fixture against the Clarets.

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

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The announcement has provoked mixed reactions among the fanbase and observers. Some point to the underwhelming results and tactics as justification, while others argue the ownership and directors must bear a large responsibility for continuous turmoil.

A perspective suggests: "{Between the generally poor performances and results, the very low win ratio and the inflexible approach, Amorim has no one else to blame but himself... The ownership and their ‘best-in-class’ claims should, however, feel a large brunt of the fan’s rage; this was a farce 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 top sides... and have lost only twice since the start of October. Just watching them you can see they’re a better team than last year."

The search for a new manager and the pursuit for consistency at Old Trafford begins once again.