Ruben Amorim has delivered a stunning public rebuke to Manchester United's hierarchy, emphatically stating he is at the club to be "the manager" and not merely a head coach, amid a growing power struggle over transfer strategy.
'I am the manager, not the coach'
The Portuguese coach's impassioned comments came following Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United at Elland Road, where a goal from Matheus Cunha salvaged a point after Brenden Aaronson's opener. In a tense post-match press conference, the 40-year-old directly challenged the club's structure and his place within it.
"I came here to be the manager of Manchester United – not to be the coach of Manchester United," Amorim declared. "That is clear. I know my name is not [Thomas] Tuchel, [José] Mourinho or [Antonio] Conte but I'm the manager." He added that this dynamic would persist for the remaining 18 months of his contract or until the board decided to make a change, insisting he would not quit.
A pointed message to the recruitment team
The core of Amorim's frustration appears to be his perceived lack of influence in player recruitment. When questioned about transfer policy, he issued a pointed instruction to the backroom staff. "Every department, the scouting department, the sporting director, needs to do their job," he stated.
This remark is seen as a direct challenge to sporting director Jason Wilcox, with whom Amorim's relationship is reported to be increasingly strained. It has also been revealed that United's head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, has raised questions about the manager's tactical approach.
Long-term future cast into doubt
Amorim then cast significant doubt over his long-term future at Old Trafford, suggesting a parting of ways may be inevitable. "I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on," he said cryptically.
He concluded with a broader criticism of the club's culture, stating, "If people cannot handle the Gary Nevilles and the criticisms of everything, we need to change the club," before abruptly ending the conference.
This outburst follows earlier hints from Amorim about internal disagreements, compounded by a squad weakened by injury and Africa Cup of Nations absences. Despite the January transfer window being open, he indicated last Friday that no conversations were taking place to alter the playing squad, highlighting the apparent disconnect.
