The Dismissal of Ruben Amorim: An Analysis of His Tenure at Manchester United

omidbasir- On a dramatic morning, Ruben Amorim received news of his termination from Manchester United by club officials. Rather than immediately returning to the warmer climate of Portugal, he opted to face the media and take a stroll through the snow-covered streets of Hale, an affluent suburb in southern Greater Manchester.

Hale is known for being home to many players from Manchester United and other clubs in the northwest, and it has been Amorim’s residence throughout most of his time at Old Trafford.

As Amorim and his wife, Maria, walked through the chilly January air, they were photographed, sharing cordial greetings with onlookers who wished him well.

Amorim’s tenure was marred by several challenges, including a rigid tactical philosophy, disappointing results, and a significant breakdown in his relationship with the club’s management. His adherence to a 3-4-3 formation was unwavering; he famously remarked that “not even the Pope” could convince him to alter it. This inflexibility contributed to a string of inconsistent performances.

His record stands as the worst of any permanent Manchester United manager in the Premier League era, with a win percentage of merely 31.9%. Friction between Amorim and the club escalated regarding transfer decisions and his responsibilities, as he publicly lamented his lack of control over the club’s transfer strategies and scouting efforts.

This emotional volatility and inconsistency ultimately led to his dismissal by Director of Football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada. The combination of insufficient on-pitch progress and an unresolvable power struggle off the field hindered any prospects for success in his project.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich shared his insights on the situation, stating, “The original mistake was attempting to replicate Sir Alex Ferguson, as that is unlikely to happen again. It is essential to adapt to current circumstances. A qualified sporting director should oversee these developments.”

He acknowledged Amorim’s veiled criticisms of the management but emphasized that there are always two sides to every story. Bosnich believes that Manchester United currently appears further from the Premier League title than they have in a decade, having finished last season in 15th place. Presently, they are in sixth, hinting at a potentially salvageable season with a chance of qualifying for the Champions League, yet the path to becoming title contenders remains distant.