Man Utd dismissed Ruben Amorim on 5/1 following irreconcilable differences. The final straw was his post-match comments after a draw with Leeds, where he openly clarified his role and authority at Old Trafford. The Portuguese coach reportedly alienated CEO Omar Berrada and Football Director Jason Wilcox by stating he was a "manager," not a "head coach."

In an article detailing the internal issues leading to Man Utd's separation from Amorim, ESPN journalist Rob Dawson revealed that the confidence of the "Red Devils" players had plummeted so low that the 40-year-old strategist could sense a poor outcome even before kickoff. As early as February 2025, Amorim told a source he "knew for certain the team had no chance of winning just by how players... tied their shoelaces during warm-ups."

Ruben Amorim observed players during Man Utd's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford, Manchester, in the 16th round of the Premier League on 15/12/2025. *Photo: AFP*

Amorim bitterly admitted that the Man Utd first-team internal structure was "broken" and the squad he inherited was "fragile." He was particularly shocked by the squad's poor physical condition when he took office in October 2024. The situation was so dire that after just three months in charge, he had to be heavily persuaded not to resign following a dismal run of form.

ESPN stated that Amorim's relationship with the players was also strained. A behind-the-scenes statement from him that the current squad was "perhaps the worst in Man Utd's history" angered many players. "Unlike Erik ten Hag - his predecessor who wanted to control everything from travel plans to media schedules, Amorim chose to be distant, letting logistical staff handle their own work," an ESPN source stated.

Although considered a "master communicator," Amorim repeatedly made controversial statements. He publicly criticized forward Benjamin Sesko and defender Patrick Dorgu, and even disparaged Man Utd's academy. Last summer, the board asked Amorim to be careful with his statements, but the coach, born in 1985, insisted he used the media to "send messages" to motivate players.

However, this approach backfired. A key player was reportedly shocked to read criticisms of his performance intensity on his phone instead of receiving direct feedback. Man Utd even had to ask a broadcaster to cut Amorim's overly harsh comments about a player before an interview aired.

Also according to ESPN, despite clearly defining boundaries in all matters, Amorim tried to change the team's culture. His solutions included: replacing round tables with long tables in the dining room to prevent the formation of "interest groups" within the team, asking players to stop for photos and autographs with fans before and after matches, and he himself spent time in the rain interacting with fans, and organized BBQ parties at Carrington. The Portuguese coach also asked players to stay and celebrate each other's birthdays with cake and speeches, held private meetings, and showed Leny Yoro videos of good plays to encourage him after he made a mistake against Crystal Palace.

However, the rift was too wide. Amorim was furious when some players skipped the BBQ party after a loss to Tottenham in the Europa League. "For him, a young squad needed connection, but perhaps he wished he had worked with seasoned professional players rather than a developing squad like the current one," ESPN stated.

Ha Phuong (according to ESPN)