The football world was rocked this week as Ruben Amorim was dismissed from his role as manager of Manchester United, a mere 14 months after his own tearful goodbye to former club Sporting CP.
From Lisbon Celebration to Heartbreak
The Portuguese coach's journey to Old Trafford was paved with high emotion. In January 2025, Amorim was the architect of a Sporting side sitting top of the Primeira Liga and fresh from a stunning 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester City. The dressing room mood was euphoric, especially after a spectacular comeback win against Braga, where they overturned a 2-0 deficit to win 4-2.
It was in the aftermath of that victory that Amorim delivered crushing news to his squad. Winger Geny Catamo, recalling the moment, described the scene: "We were all celebrating in the locker room when he came in and announced he was indeed going to Manchester United." He revealed the squad's devastation, stating, "We were sad and cried. Most players cried. I believe I was one of those who cried the most that day."
A Short-Lived Reign at Old Trafford
Amorim's tenure at Manchester United, which began with optimism after his transformative success in Portugal, ended abruptly on Monday, 10th January 2026. The final match was a 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Sunday. His departure was reportedly sealed by a remarkable and defiant speech delivered to the squad, where he sharply distinguished his role from that of a mere coach.
"I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United," Amorim asserted. He emphasised his authority, referencing a clear 18-month agreement and criticising external influences, saying, "If people cannot handle the Gary Neville and the criticism of everything, we need to change the club." He insisted every department, from scouting to the sports director, needed to fulfil their duties while he focused on his managerial remit.
Aftermath and Immediate Consequences
Following Amorim's exit, the club moved swiftly to install former United midfielder Darren Fletcher as temporary manager, assisted by Jonny Evans. The reaction from the United dressing room stood in stark contrast to the tears shed in Lisbon, underscoring the challenges the 40-year-old manager faced during his brief spell in English football.
His sacking marks a dramatic fall from the adulation he experienced in Portugal, where he had broken the dominance of Porto and Benfica to make Sporting the country's leading force. The episode highlights the intense pressures and differing expectations at the pinnacle of club management, particularly at a institution like Manchester United.
