Ruben Amorim Departs Manchester United Amidst Controversy

Following Manchester United’s recent 1-1 draw against Leeds, Ruben Amorim took the opportunity to publicly criticize the club’s management. The former Sporting CP coach claimed he felt undermined and stated his intent to fulfill his contract until 2027, despite the circumstances.

In a press conference, Amorim declared, “I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not just the head coach. I understand my name may not be as recognized as [Antonio] Conte or [Jose] Mourinho, but my role is clear. I will remain in this position for 18 months, or until the board decides to make a change. I have no intention of quitting; I will perform my duties until a successor is appointed.”

He continued, “If the club cannot manage criticisms, such as those from Gary Neville, then we need to reassess our approach. My goal is to be the manager, and I expect each department, including scouting and the sporting director, to fulfill their responsibilities. I will do my part for the next 18 months, and we will move forward from there.”

However, Amorim’s time at United was abruptly concluded on Monday. Shortly afterward, he and his wife were spotted taking a walk, with reports indicating they plan to return to Portugal and vacate their Cheshire home, which boasts six bedrooms, multiple reception areas, a cinema room, and private gardens.

The property, listed with agents Jordan Fishwick, spans nearly 6,000 square feet and features a double garage and luxurious ensuite bedrooms. According to the property price website Mouseprice, its current market value is approximately £1.2 million.

Upon announcing Amorim’s dismissal, Manchester United expressed gratitude for his contributions, which included leading the team to the Europa League final last season and securing a sixth-place position in the Premier League this season. The club noted that this decision was made with a view to enhancing their prospects for a successful campaign.

A statement from the club read: “Ruben Amorim has departed his position as head coach of Manchester United. Appointed in November 2024, he led the team to a UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao in May. With Manchester United currently in sixth place in the Premier League, the leadership has made the difficult decision to change direction, believing it will provide the best chance for a strong finish. We thank Ruben for his contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors. Darren Fletcher will assume management duties for the upcoming match against Burnley.”

Looking ahead, it remains uncertain what the future holds for Amorim in his managerial career, while club legend Fletcher will lead the team into their match against struggling Burnley on Wednesday. The former player, who has transitioned from coaching the under-18s, remarked on the honor of taking this role, stating, “It’s surreal; it’s an incredible honor to lead Manchester United. This opportunity is something I never imagined. It’s an honor I take pride in, though the circumstances are not ideal. Nonetheless, I have a job to do.”