Ruben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United head coach ended on Monday, with the club hierarchy pointing to his inflexibility as a key factor. Club sources indicated that chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox grew frustrated with Amorim’s refusal to adapt his 3-4-3 formation, despite poor results including a 15th-place Premier League finish and a Europa League final defeat.
Amorim’s stubbornness was highlighted in a press conference where he stated, “Not even the pope will make me change.” His comments on Christmas Eve about limited transfer funds and subsequent criticism of academy players such as Harry Amass and Chido Obi compounded tensions. Wilcox and Berrada had expected Amorim to shift to a more attack-focused style, but his reversion to a defensive 3-4-3 in a 1-1 draw with Wolves further alienated them.
However, questions now surround the executives who hired him. Berrada and Wilcox were instrumental in Amorim’s appointment 14 months ago, and despite Wilcox’s regular feedback, Amorim became less receptive. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s minority owner, also trusted Wilcox to interview potential replacements for Erik ten Hag, raising scrutiny over the decision-making process.
The sacking follows a series of indiscreet remarks from Amorim, including suggesting he might leave when his contract ended and that criticism from Gary Neville needed to be ignored. These were seen as a deliberate ultimatum. The Guardian reported in December that United were reluctant to sell Kobbie Mainoo, who had fallen out of favour under Amorim, indicating long-standing concerns.
