Ruben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United after 14 months as their head coach. The Portuguese departs after a power struggle with the hierarchy over transfer policy, with Amorim demanding his colleagues in the recruitment department “do their job” after Sunday’s draw at Leeds.
Amorim believed United were prepared to back him in the January window should a major signing become available but then said last Friday: “We have no conversation to have any change in the squad.”
His relationship with the director of football, Jason Wilcox, has become strained and Amorim made clear his frustration after the Leeds game, when he also said he would stay, at the longest, until his contract ends in 18 months.
“I came here to be the manager of Manchester United – not to be the coach of Manchester United,” Amorim said, even though his title was, in a first for the club, head coach rather than manager. “That is clear. I know my name is not Tuchel, Mourinho or Conte 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.”
United acted swiftly on Monday, saying in a statement that Amorim had “departed his role”. They added: “With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly 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.”
