Ruben Amorim has left Manchester United with immediate effect, ending an 18-month tenure marked by heavy spending and disappointing results. The Portuguese's departure, confirmed on Monday, had been widely anticipated following a fractious post-match press conference after Sunday's draw at Leeds.
Amorim, appointed as head coach in late 2024, voiced frustration over the club's recruitment structure, insisting he was "the manager of this team, not the coach" and that his role would last 18 months before "everyone moves on." Reports suggest he clashed with football director Jason Wilcox over transfer policy.
United's form under Amorim fluctuated sharply. A run of three consecutive wins in late October – against Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton – offered hope, but they have won only three of their subsequent 11 Premier League matches. Amorim also abandoned his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation in favour of a back four, raising questions over his tactical flexibility.
The club invested approximately £430m in transfers during his tenure, recouping only around £165m in sales. United finished 15th in the league last season and lost the Europa League final, missing out on Champions League football. This summer they spent £200m on three forwards, a decision now seen as excessive.
With Amorim gone, United must decide whether to continue his squad rebuild or start anew. Oliver Glasner, whose Crystal Palace contract expires in the summer, has been mooted as a possible successor. The search for a seventh permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 continues, as the club's decline shows no signs of abating.
