Ruben Amorim has been dismissed as Manchester United manager after a turbulent 14-month spell at Old Trafford came to an abrupt end.
The Portuguese coach paid the price for a combination of disappointing results and a fiery public outburst aimed at the club’s hierarchy following a draw against Leeds United.
Pressure had been mounting on Amorim in recent weeks, but his position became increasingly untenable after he openly questioned the level of backing he was receiving from the board.
Less than 24 hours after those comments, United moved decisively to end his tenure.
Amorim’s Manchester United record
Amorim was appointed United manager in November 2024, taking over from Erik ten Hag in one of the Premier League’s most demanding roles.
However, his time in charge lasted just 63 matches, with the Red Devils winning only 24 of those games. That return leaves Amorim with a win percentage of 38 per cent.
Confirming the decision, Manchester United released a short statement on their official website, “With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish. The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”
The outburst that preceded his dismissal
Amorim’s exit came swiftly after his outspoken remarks following a 1-1 draw at Elland Road, where he made it clear he had no intention of stepping down despite growing scrutiny.
He told reporters, “I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the head coach. I know my name is not [Antonio] Conte, [Thomas] Tuchel, or [Jose] Mourinho but I’m the manager of Manchester United. It’s going to be like this for 18 months or until the board decide to change. I’m not going to quit. I’ll do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me.”
Amorim doubled down on that stance, stressing his expectations of authority across the club’s structure, “I just want to say that I’m going to be the manager of this team, not just the coach. I was really clear on that and that is going to finish in 18 months and then everyone is going to move on. That was the deal. That is my job. Not to be a coach.
“If people cannot handle the Gary Nevilles and the criticisms of everything, we need to change the club. I just want to say I came here to be the manager, not to be the coach. In every department – the scouting department, the sporting director needs to do their job, I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on.”
Why United acted
Despite the abrupt timing, it is understood there were no internal power struggles or ultimatums before Amorim’s departure.
Throughout his challenging spell, the 40-year-old retained the backing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s leadership.
However, United believe the squad, which they view as young, talented and capable, remains well placed to meet the club’s targets this season.
The decision to change manager was therefore seen as a necessary step to maximise the team’s chances during the remainder of the campaign.
The club continues to pursue a long-term strategy focused on squad development, having invested heavily in recent transfer windows.
Amorim played a role in those recruitment plans, with further reinforcements already earmarked for 2026.
United maintain that their leadership structure is designed to support success at the highest level, with collaboration across all departments viewed as essential.
While the head coach remains a central figure, the club believes a collective approach is key to delivering sustained progress.
