Man Utd decided to sack Amorim before Leeds match after explosive row | Football | Sport
Manchester United reportedly made the decision to sack Ruben Amorim before their 1-1 draw with Leeds on Sunday, allowing him to take charge of the team one final time. The Portuguese coach took aim at the INEOS hierarchy in an explosive press conference, but had a blow-up behind the scenes earlier in the week with those in charge.
The Telegraph claim that after a meeting between Amorim and Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, the chief signalled to those above him that their relationship had become unsustainable. However, he was still placed in charge for the trip to Elland Road, where he picked up a point thanks to Matheus Cunha’s equaliser.
Wilcox had hoped that the meeting would be positive and productive, with the Red Devils sat fifth in the Premier League table at the time, but it soon turned sour.
Once the matter of Amorim’s preferred formation, the 3-4-3, was brought up by Wilcox, Amorim ‘blew up’ after previously insisting that not even the Pope could get him to change his mind.
Amorim has used the same shape since he arrived at Old Trafford in November 2024, with the initial understanding that his new squad needed clarity and direction.
But over a year on, with limited success, INEOS felt that Amorim needed to be more flexible and allow his system to evolve past the three-at-the-back setup.
Players had been brought in during the summer with the view to playing in a variety of positions and formations, but the club felt that Amorim often retreated to his 3-4-3 as soon as there was any pressure on him, regardless of whether the shape was suitable for the opposition or not.
INEOS were of the opinion that Amorim had taken United as far as he could, based on the coach’s angry reaction in a meeting with Wilcox.
Wilcox and United CEO Omar Berrada made the decision to sack Amorim, with the board’s blessing.
Amorim was informed of the decision on Monday morning at United’s Carrington training ground complex, with Darren Fletcher placed in interim charge.
A permanent next head coach is likely to be announced towards the end of the season.
