By Martin Graham
The spell of Ruben Amorim a Manchester United ended in hostility and confrontation, marking another awkward episode during Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stewardship of football operations at Old Trafford. His departure followed an explosive clash after the draw at Elland Road, a moment which left the club’s management with little alternative but to sack him.
The outburst was aimed squarely at big figures, a bet made by a coach already under pressure. Rather than easing tensions, the comments highlighted widening divisions and made their position untenable.
By the time Amorim addressed the media, the situation had already deteriorated. What followed was less a defense of his work and more the final scene of a relationship that had broken down beyond repair.
The episode reinforced the perception that United’s hierarchy have struggled to manage internal conflicts since Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake and assumed control of sporting affairs in February 2024.
Costly Misjudgments Under New Leadership
Ratcliffe arrived portrayed as the figure who would consolidate the club after years of turmoil under Glazer’s ownership. Instead, United look no closer to consistency than the day they walked through the door.
Decision-making since then has repeatedly backfired. Amorim’s offloading came just 14 months after United activated a £9.25m release clause to prize him from Sporting Lisbon, adding to a growing list of expensive reversals.
Just a few months earlier, Erik ten Hag had received a new deal and substantial support following their FA Cup success against Manchester City. This vote of confidence was quickly undone, with Ten Hag sacked in October 2024 at a cost of £10.4m in compensation.
The upheaval didn’t stop there. Sporting director Dan Ashworth, recruited with high expectations, left in December 2024 after just five months. His departure, after an extended period of gardening leave before his arrival, symbolized further instability, with the total cost of his recruitment and compensation reaching £4.1m.
A mandate defined by rigidity and division
Amorim was initially seen as one of the most exciting young managers in Europe, admired for his work in Portugal and linked with Liverpool before they opted for Arne Slot. His devotion to a 3-4-3 formation, however, became a recurring point of contention.
Critics questioned whether the commitment had hardened into stubbornness. Amorim himself had preferred to wait until the summer to start on the board, but accepted the United role when the opportunity arose.
His time at the helm was marked by dramatic decisions and emotional moments. Marcus Rashford left on loan to Barcelona, ​​Alejandro Garnacho was sold to Chelsea, and academy midfielder Kobbie Mainoo found himself largely sidelined despite his recent rise to prominence for club and country.
In the field, progress was limited. A Europa League final ended in defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, while the domestic form sank to 15th in the league. Despite big summer spending on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, consistency never followed.
Confidence was eroded as United re-established themselves once more
Ratcliffe’s public support as recently as March, when he praised Amorim as a long-term solution, now reads like another miscalculation. Fans’ patience, initially strong, faded after damaging results against Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With Darren Fletcher stepping in on an interim basis, Ratcliffe, Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada are once again tasked with re-establishing the direction of the club. The search for stability continues, but confidence among supporters has been shaken.
This latest decision isn’t just about replacing a head coach. It’s about restoring belief that those in charge can finally deliver clarity and competition in one of football’s most demanding institutions.
