United Parts Ways with Amorim After 14 Months Amid Tensions

omidbasir- United has parted ways with coach Amorim after just 14 months at the helm, following a significant breakdown in his relationship with the club’s management. Tensions reached a peak after a recent match against Leeds, during which a visibly frustrated Amorim took to the press conference to assert his preference for the title of “manager” over “head coach” and voiced criticisms directed at director of football, Jason Wilcox.

This public display of discontent, stemming from ongoing disagreements regarding transfer policies and tactical strategies, ultimately prompted the United board to make the difficult decision to relieve Amorim of his duties. Currently positioned sixth in the Premier League, the club expressed that this choice was made “reluctantly” but deemed essential to ensure the team has the best chance at a stronger finish in the league.

Amorim leaves with the lowest win rate of any permanent manager in United’s Premier League history, a tenure characterized by a challenging 3-4-3 formation. Despite this, he has received an outpouring of well wishes from many former players. United captain Bruno Fernandes led the tributes, stating: “Thank you, Mister. Wish you and your technical staff all the best.” Other players shared similar sentiments, including Joshua Zirkzee, Patrick Dorgu, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Benjamin Sesko, and Amad Diallo, all expressing gratitude and well wishes for Amorim’s future endeavors.

However, two players notably absent from the goodwill messages were Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez. Amorim’s relationship with Mainoo had been strained, primarily due to tactical disagreements and limited playing time for the young midfielder. The manager believed Mainoo lacked the necessary pace for his system, often leaving him on the bench, leading to reported tensions that included a heated altercation at a training session. Mainoo’s family and past teammates have publicly criticized Amorim’s treatment of him, and a recent incident where Mainoo’s half-brother wore a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” t-shirt at Old Trafford has only intensified the narrative.

While the dynamic with Martinez was less contentious, Amorim had to address the defender’s eagerness to return from a long-term ACL injury before receiving medical clearance, even naming him captain in Fernandes’ absence. Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho, now with Chelsea following a fallout with Amorim, seemingly took pleasure in the coach’s dismissal by ‘liking’ a social media post announcing the news.

United now faces the task of finding a suitable replacement for Amorim, with a robust list of potential candidates. Leading the speculation is Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Other contenders include former England manager Gareth Southgate and recently dismissed Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca. In the interim, former United midfielder Darren Fletcher will step in as caretaker manager for the upcoming match against Burnley.