Manchester United's managerial merry-go-round has spun once again, with the club confirming the sacking of Ruben Amorim. The decision, made by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the United hierarchy, was taken before the team's recent match against Leeds United, highlighting the depth of the crisis.
The Amorim Experiment Ends in Familiar Failure
The Portuguese coach's tenure at Old Trafford has been cut short, with club bosses concluding he was too stubborn and immature to handle the immense pressure and scrutiny that comes with managing one of the world's most iconic football clubs. Amorim's departure continues a dismal pattern of failure since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
In the dozen years since Ferguson left, United will now be led by their tenth different manager, either permanent or interim. Former player Darren Fletcher is set to take temporary charge, becoming the latest figure to step into the breach at a club defined by instability.
A Desperate Search for the Next Candidate
The hunt for Amorim's permanent successor is already in full swing, with bookmakers listing a vast array of potential names. The current shortlist is understood to include:
- Oliver Glasner
- Xavi
- Gareth Southgate
- Marco Silva
- Mauricio Pochettino
- Enzo Maresca
One name that has been discussed but definitively ruled out is Jurgen Klopp. The legendary former Liverpool boss has made it clear that his deep connection to Anfield means he would never consider taking the United job. In a telling snub, it's understood that managing United would leave him "walking alone."
The club has also humorously, but officially, ruled out any approach for former US President Donald Trump, amid the speculation frenzy.
A Root Cause of Chronic Decline
The article points to a deeper, systemic problem at the heart of Manchester United's woes. The root cause is identified as the club's ownership, first with the Glazer family and now compounded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's partial takeover.
Historical missteps are cited, such as in 2016 when then-CEO Ed Woodward wanted to appoint Mauricio Pochettino but was overruled by the Glazers in favour of Jose Mourinho. Woodward also previously tried to bring in Jurgen Klopp, but again lacked full backing from the owners.
Ratcliffe's era has so far failed to rectify these issues. Before settling on Amorim, he pursued Thomas Tuchel, but the German was reportedly exasperated by a bizarre interview process that involved a dozen executives and ultimately walked away. Ratcliffe then insisted Amorim leave Sporting Lisbon immediately last summer, against the coach's preference for a pre-season build-up—a decision that has now backfired spectacularly.
The conclusion is stark: Manchester United is no longer the magnetic draw it once was. While the financial rewards remain huge, the club's prestige has diminished. It is now seen as a graveyard for managerial reputations, with a squad lagging far behind rivals like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
Whoever accepts the role next will need immense luck and a strong constitution to survive the unique pressures of the Old Trafford hotseat.
