Man Utd most savage sack statements as Amorim ‘not welcome back’ | Football | Sport

Manchester United have gotten rid of seven managers in the last 13 years with Ruben Amorim the latest to fall to the axe. The Portuguese manager was sacked on Monday following a 1-1 draw with Leeds United.

Out of 63 matches, Amorim won 24, drew 18 and suffered 21 defeats, resulting in a turgid win rate of 31 per cent. This is the worst win ratio of any permanent United boss in recent times, the lowest since Frank O’Farrell took over from Sir Matt Busby in 1971. Amorim was thanked for his services and wished well for the future – but was his statement from the club different from any of the managers who came before him?

In short, yes. While all managers who have departed were thanked for their work in the club’s statements, only some were wished well for the future, told they were welcome back at Old Trafford in the future or had their trophy wins mentioned. Here, Express Football has detailed the last seven sack statements from the Manchester United hierarchy from the harshest to the most complimentary.

David Moyes 

David Moyes lasted just under a year at United, winning 27 games out of 51 with a 52% rate at the club. Despite this record not being half as bad as future managers, the Manchester side weren’t exactly complimentary of the Scot upon his exit.

The club said at the time: “Manchester United has announced that David Moyes has left the club. The club would like to place on record its thanks for the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role.”

The statement failed to say Moyes would be welcome back to United, leaving out mention of his achievements as well not wishing him well for the future. Now, he has returned to Everton and is guiding the Merseyside club back up the Premier League table.

Jose Mourinho

The Special One took over from Louis van Gaal in 2016 and spent two years at United. Mourinho won the Carabao Cup, the Community Shield and the Europa League with the Red Devils but this was not mentioned in his exit statement.

The club’s website posted: “Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect. The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future.”

The statement does have a slight improvement on Moyes’, though, with United wishing him well for the future.

Louis van Gaal

Louis van Gaal became Moyes’ permanent replacement in 2014 and struggled to improve upon what he was given at the time. He won the FA Cup in 2016 and was thanked greatly for doing so in his departure statement.

Ex-executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: “I would like to thank Louis and his staff for their excellent work in the past two years culminating in winning a record-equalling 12th FA Cup for the club (and securing him a title in four different countries).

“He has behaved with great professionalism and dignity throughout his time here. He leaves us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability on the highest stage. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best in the future.”

Despite not being told he would be welcomed back with open arms, it is clear the club thought highly of Van Gaal.

Ralf Rangnick

Ralf Rangnick served as interim manager between December 2021 and May 2022, ultimately declining a role as a United consultant to take on the Austria national team manager position. At the time, the club said: “We would like to thank Ralf Rangnick for his efforts as interim manager over the past six months.

“By mutual agreement, Ralf will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not therefore be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford. We would like to wish Ralf the best of luck in this next chapter of his career.”

Rangnick was clearly pleasing the hierarchy at United but left for pastures new and was even involved in appointing Erik ten Hag as his successor.

Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag took control of United for two seasons, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. His achievements were listed in his departure statement as the club shared their appreciation for the Dutchman.

They said: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.”

Ruben Amorim

The latest to leave but not the most loved, Ruben Amorim departed United on Monday after 14 months in charge. The disastrous Europa League final was mentioned in his farewell note and the club claim they “reluctantly” made this decision in order to progress in the future.

The club said: “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United. Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.

“With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.

“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Finally, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returned to the club as manager in 2018 and lasted the longest out of this entire list. He held the reins for almost three years and finished runner-up in the Europa League final in 2021.

Despite not achieving as much silverware as other bosses on this list, the club clearly think highly of the ex-United player. Their statement read: “Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager. Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision.

“While the past few weeks have been disappointing, they should not obscure all the work he has done over the past three years to rebuild the foundations for long-term success.

“Ole leaves with our sincerest thanks for his tireless efforts as Manager and our very best wishes for the future. His place in the club’s history will always be secure, not just for his story as a player, but as a great man and a Manager who gave us many great moments.

“He will forever be welcome back at Old Trafford as part of the Manchester United family.”

Now, it seems that these final words may ring true, as the Norwegian is now a frontrunner to take over as interim manager of the club following Amorim’s departure. Solskjaer is set for face-to-face talks with the club’s leadership alongside fellow ex-player Michael Carrick.