Manchester United's squad were reportedly left shocked and disappointed by the sudden dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim on Monday, with many players still firmly behind the Portuguese manager. The decision, made by the club's INEOS hierarchy without consulting the playing staff, has cast a shadow over Old Trafford and intensified scrutiny on the club's next move.
Dressing Room Backing Amid Sudden Exit
Amorim's 14-month tenure was abruptly terminated less than 24 hours after United's draw away at Leeds United. According to reports, the majority of the first-team players were unhappy with the decision, having maintained confidence in the coach's project despite inconsistent results.
The players were informed of the dismissal on Monday morning, though some felt the writing had been on the wall for several days. In a notable show of support, a significant number of United stars took to social media to publicly thank Amorim for his work—a gesture not always extended to departing managers at the club.
Confrontation and Power Struggle Behind the Scenes
While performances had shown flashes of promise, including a landmark victory at Liverpool and wins over Newcastle, the underlying cause of Amorim's exit appears to be a power struggle with key figures in the United hierarchy.
It has also emerged that a heated confrontation contributed to the fracturing environment. Defender Lisandro Martinez reportedly squared up to Amorim after feeling neglected and ready for a starting role. The Argentine did later return to the first eleven and even captained the side, but the incident highlighted growing tensions.
Ultimately, Amorim's post-match comments after the Leeds game are believed to have been the final straw. He hinted at numerous frustrations and a desire for greater control, while also suggesting he was already looking ahead to life after his contract at United expired.
Fallout and Future Uncertainty
The unilateral nature of the sacking by the INEOS leadership, bypassing player consultation, has increased the pressure on their next appointment. Club legend Gary Neville commented on the situation, stating that no one emerges from such a scenario looking good.
"When a manager is sacked, it's a poor reflection on everybody," Neville said. "It means it's not worked. Ultimately everyone loses, particularly when you are sacking a manager partway through the season. It's very difficult to get an adequate replacement in."
The swift action has left United searching for a new manager mid-season, with the dressing room's morale a new concern for the incoming boss. The club now faces the dual challenge of finding a suitable successor and reuniting a squad that felt sidelined in a major footballing decision.
