Manchester, 5 January 2026 – Manchester United have officially sacked Ruben Amorim following a tense 1–1 draw at Leeds United on Sunday, 4 January, at Elland Road. The Portuguese manager, who entered the post-match press conference looking burdened by more than just another underwhelming result, now leaves Old Trafford amid growing fan frustration, inconsistent performances, and high-level tensions with the club hierarchy. With 18 months remaining on his contract, United face a costly payout, while the club’s board must now weigh short-term relief against long-term strategic planning.
Ruben Amorim provided Manchester United supporters with optimism and hope early in his tenure, before results and pressure began to mount.
A Season of Mounting Pressure: From Brentford to Leeds
Amorim’s tenure at United began with optimism and ambition after he joined in November 2024, following a successful spell at Sporting CP. Early performances offered glimpses of high-intensity, attacking football that rejuvenated players such as Diogo Dalot. However, results have been inconsistent, with defeats to Brentford, Liverpool, and Chelsea, alongside draws against West Ham, Wolves, and most recently Leeds. The 3–1 loss to Brentford in November 2025 served as an early warning: the squad appeared outmatched physically, vulnerable to set-pieces, and defensively fragile. That defeat, compounded by a heavy Manchester derby loss, signaled warning signs that persisted into 2026.
Sunday’s draw at Elland Road intensified scrutiny. While United avoided a loss on the scoreboard, the performance was flat, chances were scarce, and the squad struggled to assert dominance — reigniting debate about whether Amorim’s methods and leadership could meet the club’s lofty expectations.
Amorim’s Fiery Press Conference
After the Leeds match, Amorim’s words shifted attention from the pitch to the boardroom. In a pointed and widely reported press conference, he said: “I was hired to be the manager, not just the coach. Everyone needs to do their job — the board, the CEO, the sporting director. This is not just about the pitch.” Those comments, interpreted as a direct challenge to United’s leadership structure, reflected mounting frustration with off-field decision-making, recruitment delays, and the operational limits imposed on him. Within hours, sources confirmed the club had decided to relieve him of his duties.
Breaking Down the Sack Compensation
Manchester United now face a substantial financial cost in parting ways with Amorim, estimated around £10 million based on his remaining contract and annual salary of approximately £6.5 million. The figure also accounts for his original buyout from Sporting CP in November 2024, which cost the club £9.2 million. Additional costs, such as settlements for his backroom staff and potential legal fees, could push the total payout beyond £12 million, consistent with United’s history of high managerial exits, which have totaled over £50 million since 2013.
Fan Unrest and Growing Calls for Change
Supporters have voiced growing dissatisfaction throughout Amorim’s tenure, using chants, social media, and matchday protests to express frustration over tactical inconsistencies, a lack of squad cohesion, and underwhelming results. The Leeds draw, combined with Amorim’s public criticism of the club hierarchy, appears to have tipped the scales toward a decision that had been simmering for months. Fans and pundits alike have debated whether a fresh start is necessary to rescue the club from continued instability, or whether further internal alignment could have salvaged the project.
Amorim’s Legacy at Manchester United
During his time at United, Amorim oversaw a transitional phase for the club, pushing toward European qualification in 2025–26 and securing notable victories against top sides such as Liverpool and Chelsea. His high-pressing, attacking style rejuvenated some individual players and brought tactical innovation to the squad, yet inconsistency on the pitch, injuries to key defenders, and limited reinforcements during the 2025 summer transfer window left the team struggling to realize his vision.
Manchester United’s financial power on full display, with a badge encircled by dollars highlighting the club’s massive revenue streams.
Who Might Replace Amorim?
As Manchester United begins the search for his replacement, names such as Xavi, Enzo Maresca, and Roberto De Zerbi are already being linked with the role. Each candidate brings distinct strengths in tactical acumen, attacking football, and youth development, but the club will face the challenge of finding a manager who can stabilize results, align with the board’s long-term strategy, and restore confidence among supporters.
What Comes Next for Manchester United
The Red Devils now face an urgent task: appoint a manager who can steady the ship, satisfy fans, and deliver immediate Premier League results while building toward long-term success. Amorim’s departure underscores the intense pressures of managing at Old Trafford: results are scrutinized relentlessly, hierarchy friction is magnified, and the financial stakes are massive. The next appointment will define Manchester United’s trajectory for the remainder of 2026 and beyond.
Pressing Queries on Amorim's Manchester United Journey
What Did Ruben Amorim Achieve at Manchester United?
During his time at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim oversaw a transitional period for the club. Since joining in November 2024, he helped stabilize the squad and introduced a high-intensity, pressing style that briefly reinvigorated players like Diogo Dalot, who credits Amorim for noticeable improvements in form. The manager also delivered notable victories against Premier League heavyweights such as Liverpool and Chelsea, giving fans glimpses of the attacking philosophy he aimed to instill. However, the overall picture remained inconsistent. Over the course of the 2025–26 campaign, United recorded only nine wins from 20 league matches, struggled to maintain defensive stability, and faltered against adaptable opponents, highlighting that despite flashes of promise, the team often fell short of expectations.
Why Was Pressure Mounting on Amorim?
Pressure on Amorim intensified due to a combination of on-field struggles and off-field frustrations. A string of underwhelming performances, including the 1–1 draw at Leeds, exposed tactical rigidity and defensive vulnerabilities. Key injuries, notably to Matthijs de Ligt, compounded the problem, while delays in squad reinforcements during the summer 2025 transfer window left the team underprepared in critical areas. Off the pitch, tensions with the board surfaced publicly during his post-Leeds press conference, where he openly criticized leadership and structure at Old Trafford. Fans and pundits questioned whether Amorim’s previous success at Sporting CP could translate to the Premier League, with a combination of tactical, operational, and managerial challenges creating an environment where his position became untenable.
Who Could Replace Amorim at Manchester United?
With Amorim’s departure confirmed, speculation is already mounting over his potential replacements. Proven tactical minds like Xavi, currently unattached after leaving Barcelona, and Enzo Maresca, known for his ability to develop young talent and implement attacking systems, are high on the list. Emerging options such as Roberto De Zerbi, who has impressed at Marseille with fluid, high-intensity football, are also being considered. Each candidate offers different strengths in tactical innovation, player development, and attacking play, but the ultimate choice will depend on availability and alignment with Manchester United’s long-term vision. The club now faces the challenge of appointing a manager who can stabilize immediate results while laying a sustainable foundation for future success.
