Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has stated he sensed Ruben Amorim's departure was imminent after a revealing encounter at the club's training ground, just before the Portuguese coach was sacked on Monday.
The Sudden End for Amorim at Old Trafford
The club confirmed the dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim on Monday morning, ending his tenure after just over a year in charge. Appointed in November 2024, Amorim guided the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in May 2025. However, with United currently sitting sixth in the Premier League, the hierarchy decided a change was necessary.
A club statement read: "Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United... With Manchester United currently sixth in the Premier League, the club's leadership has reluctantly decided that it is the right time for a change." Darren Fletcher will take temporary charge for Wednesday's fixture against Burnley.
Ferdinand's Training Ground Revelation
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand admitted the timing of the announcement surprised him, but not the outcome based on the manager's record. "I didn't anticipate this when I woke up this morning," Ferdinand said. "But when you look at his record, in black and white, I'm not surprised. His record is the worst of any United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson."
The former defender then revealed a crucial insight from a recent visit to the Carrington training complex. Ferdinand noted a stark change in Amorim's demeanour during an interview session with Bruno Fernandes. "The last time I went there... I noticed immediately that there was a coldness about him," Ferdinand explained. "He was a very different human being. The training ground felt good and the vibe around the players. But he just felt a little bit distant."
Ferdinand linked this personal observation to Amorim's recent subdued press conferences, suggesting trouble had been brewing. "Now I look back with hindsight, things were starting to cook before Christmas. This isn't just an overnight thing... I felt this coldness that we've seen in the last two press conferences. I saw it in him."
Context of Amorim's Final Days
Amorim's exit follows a 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Sunday, after which he made pointed comments about his role. "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United. That is clear," he stated, hinting at tensions with the board over control.
Despite the team's position representing a significant improvement from their 15th-place finish in the 2024/25 season, Amorim's public remarks and the perceived disconnect noted by figures like Ferdinand ultimately contributed to his downfall. The club now faces a decision on whether to appoint a permanent successor or allow Fletcher to continue for the rest of the campaign.
