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Manchester United Sack Amorim After Turbulent Spell

Manchester United have sacked Rúben Amorim with immediate effect following internal unrest and disappointing results. The 1–1 draw against Leeds United proved to be the final trigger for the club’s decision. In recent weeks, Amorim publicly criticised the club’s leadership, stating he was appointed as a “manager, not just a coach.” Those comments caused friction behind the scenes and accelerated his dismissal. Across 63 matches, Amorim averaged just 1.43 points per game, the worst return by a Manchester United manager in 54 years. Only Frank O’Farrell recorded a lower average in 1972. José Mourinho remains statistically the club’s most successful manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, with 1.97 points per game and three major trophies. Once again, Manchester United begin a new search for stability, while deeper structural issues remain unresolved at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have officially parted ways with Rúben Amorim following months of internal unrest, disappointing results and mounting tension with the club hierarchy. The decision was taken immediately after a frustrating 1–1 draw against Leeds United, a match that proved to be the final straw. Amorim leaves Old Trafford with a record that places him among the least successful managers in the club’s modern history.

Tensions Boil Over at Old Trafford

The dismissal did not come as a complete surprise. In recent weeks, cracks had become increasingly visible behind the scenes at Manchester United. Amorim publicly criticised the club’s sporting structure, transfer policy and lack of long-term vision, comments that were poorly received by the board.

Public Criticism of the Board

After the draw against Leeds, Amorim openly questioned the direction of the club, stating that he had arrived “to be a manager, not just a coach.” Those remarks were interpreted internally as a direct challenge to the hierarchy and accelerated the decision to end his tenure.

Unrest Within the Squad

According to reports, several players were unsettled by the constant tactical changes and the growing tension between the manager and the board. While Amorim maintained the support of part of the dressing room, doubts over leadership and stability continued to grow.

One of the Worst Records in Club History

Amorim managed Manchester United for a total of 63 matches, producing a return that ranks among the poorest in over half a century. His numbers paint a bleak picture for a club accustomed to success.

Alarming Statistics

During his spell at Old Trafford, Amorim averaged just 1.43 points per game. That figure represents the worst performance by a United manager in the last 40 years and the worst overall since Frank O’Farrell was dismissed in 1972 with an average of 1.41 points per match.

Inconsistent Performances

While there were isolated highlights, including strong performances against top-six rivals, they were overshadowed by damaging defeats and dropped points against lower-ranked opposition. United struggled for consistency and failed to establish a clear identity under Amorim.

Mourinho Still the Benchmark After Ferguson

Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, Manchester United have cycled through multiple managers in search of stability and success. Statistically, José Mourinho remains the most successful of the post-Ferguson era.

Mourinho’s Trophy-Laden Spell

Mourinho averaged 1.97 points per game across 144 matches and delivered three trophies: the Europa League, the League Cup and the Community Shield. Of the seven trophies United have won since Ferguson’s departure, three came under the Portuguese manager.

Comparison with Other Managers

For context, other post-Ferguson managers recorded the following averages:

  • David Moyes (51 matches): 1.53 points per game
  • Louis van Gaal (103 matches): 1.81 points per game
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (168 matches): 1.85 points per game
  • Ralf Rangnick (29 matches): 1.45 points per game
  • Erik ten Hag (128 matches): 1.84 points per game

Impact on Players and Club Direction

The sudden dismissal also created uncertainty among the squad, including young signings such as Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who now faces yet another managerial transition at a crucial stage of his development.

Interim Solution and Next Steps

Manchester United have appointed an interim coach while the search for a permanent successor begins. The club’s leadership is under pressure to finally deliver a long-term solution after more than a decade of instability.

A Familiar Cycle Repeats

Amorim’s departure reinforces a recurring pattern at Old Trafford: high expectations, short-term optimism and eventual collapse. Until structural issues at board level are addressed, even the next appointment risks suffering the same fate.

As Manchester United once again press the reset button, the spotlight turns to the club’s leadership rather than the dugout. Amorim may be gone, but the deeper problems at Old Trafford remain unresolved — and the search for the right successor to Sir Alex Ferguson continues.

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