The turbulent tenure of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United has come to an abrupt end, with a sensational fallout involving director of football Jason Wilcox playing a pivotal role in his departure.
The Comment That Sparked the Feud
According to reports, the relationship between Amorim and Wilcox deteriorated significantly, culminating in a single inflammatory remark. Wilcox is said to have compared his own position as director of football to that of the manager, suggesting that Amorim was merely a 'coach' at Old Trafford.
It remains unclear whether this comment was made directly to the Portuguese boss or if he learned of it indirectly. Regardless, the implication that his authority was being undermined left Amorim furious and set the stage for a dramatic public confrontation.
Amorim's Bizarre Press Conference Defence
The tension boiled over following United's draw with Leeds. In a now-infamous rant to the press, Amorim vehemently defended his position and clarified the terms of his employment. "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United," he stated emphatically.
He continued, "I know that my name is not [Thomas] Tuchel, it’s not [Antonio] Conte, it’s not [Jose] Mourinho but I’m the manager of Manchester United. And it’s going to be like this for 18 months or when the board decides to change."
Amorim, who was sacked earlier this month after a disappointing year-and-a-half in charge, insisted his remit covered all football departments, not just coaching. He made it clear he had no intention of quitting, declaring he would see out his agreed term unless the board decided otherwise.
Fallout and Future for Manchester United
While poor results were a major factor in Amorim's dismissal, this internal power struggle with Wilcox appears to have been the final straw. Wilcox, who joined United as technical director in April 2024 before being promoted to director of football last year, has faced criticism for his influence on the club's direction.
The club's hierarchy is now tasked with finding a successor. Reports suggest an interim appointment is the most likely immediate solution, with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly in talks to take the reins on a temporary basis while a permanent candidate is identified.
This episode highlights the ongoing structural challenges at Old Trafford, where the delineation of power between a modern director of football and a traditional 'manager' continues to cause friction, ultimately costing another coach his job.
