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The Old Trafford club have terminated the contract of manager Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge. The decision comes in the wake of a growing power struggle over transfer policy and even with the team's unbeaten run.

The Breaking Point

Tensions between the manager and the club's hierarchy, particularly director of football the recruitment chief, had been strained for some time. The decisive moment is believed to have been public remarks made by Amorim after the recent 1-1 draw with their rivals. He reportedly challenged the recruitment team to "fulfill their responsibilities," highlighting a fundamental rift.

"I came here to be the manager of Manchester United – not to be the coach. That is clear. I know my name is not among the elite names but I’m the manager. It’s going to be like this for 18 months or until the board decide to change. I’m not going to quit, I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me."

A Struggling Reign

By the numbers, the Portuguese manager's time at Old Trafford was poor. He leaves with a win ratio of less than 39 per cent and a league points average of 1.24 in the Premier League. The team lost more games than it won in 2025.

However, his last matches in charge showed glimpses of stability. United lost just one of his last eight matches and currently sit sixth in the standings, just a narrow margin off the prized Champions League spots.

End of an Era Results

• 4-4 draw vs Bournemouth (Home)
• 2-1 loss vs Aston Villa (Away)
• 1-0 win vs Newcastle United (Home)
• 1-1 draw vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (Home)
• 1-1 draw vs Leeds United (Away)

Club Announcement

In its official communication, the club presented the decision as one aimed at achieving the best possible league finish.

"With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has after careful consideration 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."

Looking Ahead

In the short term, former player the Scot will take charge on an temporary basis. He is expected to be in the technical area for the upcoming league fixture against Burnley.

For the long-term position, bookmakers and pundits are speculating a range of possible successors. Names in the frame include former Barcelona coach Xavi, the Austrian manager, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, and another promising coach.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The news has generated mixed reactions among supporters and commentators. Some cite the underwhelming performances and style as valid reasons, while others argue the ownership and directors must bear a large responsibility for continuous turmoil.

One viewpoint suggests: "{Between the consistently bad performances and results, the rather abhorrent win ratio and the tactical rigidity, Amorim has no one else to blame but himself... INEOS and their ‘best-in-class’ claims should, however, feel a large brunt of the fan’s rage; this was a farce from start to finish."

A counter-argument states: "It seems crazy to blame results when United are in the top six in the table... They’ve beaten top sides... and have lost only twice since the start of October. Just watching them you can see they’re a better team than last year."

The hunt for a new manager and the quest for consistency at Manchester United begins once again.