Manchester United have taken the drastic decision to sack manager Ruben Amorim, with the dismissal coming mere hours after the Portuguese launched a stunning public attack on the club's hierarchy.
The Final Straw: A Press Conference Ultimatum
The club's power struggle reached its breaking point following Amorim's jaw-dropping post-match press conference after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road. In a remarkable outburst, Amorim insisted he did not join the club to be a mere 'head coach' and hit out at the Old Trafford decision-makers over their stance in the January transfer window.
His angry ultimatum, which included a potshot at pundit Gary Neville and hints at his own exit, presented United's bosses with a huge call to make. According to reports, senior figures at the club had already begun turning on Amorim's tactics, with moaning texts exchanged on WhatsApp groups and players left puzzled by his methods.
Carragher's Scathing Critique and Internal Unrest
The manager's position had become increasingly untenable. Earlier in the day, pundit Jamie Carragher had torn into Amorim, labelling him a 'barely competent' Premier League manager and stating he was in 'no position' to criticise the club's hierarchy given his team's performances.
This external criticism mirrored internal tensions. Football director Jason Wilcox was said to have held 'fraught' talks with the beleaguered manager, as the relationship between the coaching staff and the executive team completely broke down.
Immediate Aftermath and Interim Appointment
United's response was swift and decisive. On 5 January 2026, the club confirmed Amorim's departure. The statement, published at 10:00 GMT, marked a sudden end to his tenure at Old Trafford.
The club have moved quickly to appoint a temporary successor, with a Manchester United legend set to take over on an interim basis while the board contemplates a permanent appointment. This dramatic development throws the club's immediate future into uncertainty midway through the Premier League season.
The sacking underscores the intense pressure and relentless scrutiny at one of the world's biggest football clubs, where public disputes with the hierarchy are rarely tolerated. All eyes will now be on who United turn to next to steady the ship.
