Manchester United have once again pulled the trigger on a manager, dismissing Ruben Amorim after a mere 14 months in the hot seat at Old Trafford.
The End of Another Short Reign
The Portuguese coach's departure was confirmed on 6 January 2026, despite the team being just three points off fourth place in the Premier League. His exit continues a turbulent pattern for the club, which has now seen ten different individuals, including caretakers, take the managerial reins since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Amorim's tenure showed flickers of promise, with the team sitting sixth and demonstrating clear improvement from a dismal 15th-place finish the previous season. He was in the process of implementing a 3-4-3 tactical system, a project that required time for the squad to fully adapt. However, a reported falling-out with the board, culminating in a pointed public message after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United, appears to have sealed his fate.
Ferguson's Warning Echoes Through Time
The decision to sack Amorim stands in stark contrast to the philosophy famously championed by Sir Alex Ferguson. In March 2016, while defending then-manager Louis van Gaal, Ferguson made a powerful case for patience, citing injuries and new signings as valid reasons for transitional struggles.
"You have to have some patience being a Manchester United fan," Ferguson stated. "For 150 years of history, it is worth having a couple of years on the quiet side of success because they will always come back and come back strong."
His words feel profoundly relevant today. No permanent manager has lasted three full years in the post-Ferguson era. David Moyes was dismissed within a season, and even an experienced winner like Van Gaal was gone after two years, despite significant investment.
Back to Square One at Old Trafford
The club now finds itself in a familiar, unenviable position. Key points from the current situation include:
- The team is within touching distance of the Champions League spots at the season's midway point.
- Amorim was actively building a project, not just managing games.
- A new manager will inherit a squad they did not assemble.
Ultimately, the decision to sack Ruben Amorim seems harsh based on sporting results alone, raising questions about the board's long-term vision. As the search for an 11th boss in 13 years begins, the shadow of Ferguson's legacy and his plea for time looms larger than ever over the Theatre of Dreams.
