Ruben Amorim's position as Manchester United head coach is under threat, with a strained relationship with director of football Jason Wilcox contributing to an unpredictable situation at the club. The 40-year-old, who took over in November 2024, is believed to be discontent after being informed by Wilcox that the club may not back him significantly in the January transfer window, contrary to earlier expectations.
While Sir Jim Ratcliffe had previously stated Amorim should be given three years, reservations within the hierarchy have emerged. These concerns predate Amorim's public outburst on Sunday after a 1-1 draw with Leeds, where he insisted he is the manager, not just the coach, and suggested he may leave when his contract expires in 18 months. The Guardian reported in mid-December that the hierarchy is reluctant to sell Kobbie Mainoo, who is out of favour under Amorim, believing the midfielder could convince a future head coach of his worth.
On Friday, Amorim refused to clarify comments made on Christmas Eve, when he said: 'I have the feeling that if we have to play a perfect 3-4-3 we need to spend a lot of money and need time. I’m starting to understand that is not going to happen.' Asked if this was due to a change in budget or a conversation with Wilcox, Amorim replied: 'I don’t want to talk about that.'
Amorim is considered temperamental, making his position unclear. Although he stated after the Leeds match he would not resign, his future remains undecided. As Berrada's appointment, Wilcox is thought to have greater support from the chief executive. Amorim further inflamed the situation on Sunday by telling the scouting department and sporting director 'to do their job' and referencing Gary Neville's criticisms, before abruptly ending the press conference.
