Ruben Amorim's tenure as Manchester United head coach ended on Monday after a series of missteps, but the fallout is now turning to the club's hierarchy. The Portuguese was sacked following a 1-1 draw with Wolves, a result that highlighted his tactical inflexibility and strained relations with the board.
Amorim's downfall began with a comment on Christmas Eve that he was 'understanding' the finance was not available for his preferred 3-4-3 system. This contradicted his earlier claim that 'not even the pope' would make him change formation. Club sources say his refusal to adapt, despite poor results including a 15th-place finish last season, was a key factor in his dismissal.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox had expected Amorim to shift to a more attacking style, in line with United's traditions. Instead, he reverted to a defensive 3-4-3 against Wolves, drawing criticism from within the club. His downplaying of academy players like Harry Amass and Chido Obi, and negative comments about senior stars, further alienated the hierarchy.
However, questions are now being asked of Berrada and Wilcox, who backed Amorim's appointment 14 months ago. Wilcox, as technical director, was involved in the hiring process, and both executives are under scrutiny for failing to foresee the issues that led to the sacking. Club sources insist Wilcox gave regular feedback, but Amorim became less receptive over time.
Amorim's final media conference on Sunday appeared to be a 'back-me-or-sack-me' ultimatum, where he stated he was 'manager' not 'head coach' and could 'move on' when his contract ended. This came after he learned of a change in the January transfer budget, which he saw as evidence of the board's lack of faith. The saga leaves United facing difficult questions about their leadership and direction.
