Do you agree? Laurie Whitwell, Manchester United correspondent, analyzes the reasons behind the club board's decision to sack Ruben Amorim and predicts who will be the interim manager.
On 5 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Laurie Whitwell, the correspondent for the "Red Devils" Manchester United, a top Premier League club, analyzed the key reasons and factors that led the club's board to dismiss Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim. It is expected that Darren Fletcher will step in as interim manager.
Laurie Whitwell stated, "Amorim's position at Manchester United was questioned many times during his tenure, especially by himself, but his remarks at Elland Road were harsher than usual and led to his dismissal."
"Previously, Amorim had criticized both himself and his players, but this was the first time he used strong language against the top executives. He revealed the tensions that had built up over the past few weeks concerning player selection, transfers, and results."
"Amorim demanded that Manchester United's management either support him or sack him, and Ratcliffe chose the latter. This decision was made in cooperation with the Glazer family, the majority shareholders of Manchester United."
"Amorim was appointed head coach, which represented a break from the club's usual managerial structure due to Ratcliffe's restructuring. Therefore, just mentioning him caused concern at Old Trafford."
"He seemed to imply that he still deserved authority over his department at the club, such as player selection, while delegating other responsibilities to the recruitment team and Wilcox as football director."
"In recent weeks, conflicts emerged over the playing style. Wilcox was known to discuss formations and tactics regularly with Amorim. Their previously strong relationship appeared to have changed, as Amorim’s words indicated."
"Amorim switched from a three-defender system back to the previous formation in matches against Bournemouth and Newcastle United but reverted to a 3-4-2-1 system again in the draw against Wolves, which drew criticism from Gary Neville."
"United’s draw at Elland Road saw Amorim continue using a three-defender setup with only two forwards, Benjamin Sesko and Mateus Cunha, while Joshua Zirkzee was on the bench. The 1-1 draw brought United 13 points from their last 9 games, mostly against weaker opponents. They remain sixth and within reach of a Champions League spot."