he often had to find “common ground” with Wilcox
Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United following a clash with the club’s hierarchy over transfer strategy.
The 40-year-old was dismissed less than a day after a 1-1 draw with Leeds.
His departure followed a blistering public outburst aimed at senior figures inside Old Trafford.
Sources say Amorim’s central frustration stemmed from recruitment.
He had proposed alternative targets to a shortlist produced by director of football Jason Wilcox and recruitment chief Christopher Vivell.
Amorim also demanded to be referred to as “manager” rather than “head coach” after the draw on January 4. The move was viewed internally as an extraordinary attempt to assert authority.
United sources insist the club had funds available in January through a revolving credit facility.
The board was prepared to trigger Antoine Semenyo’s £60 million release clause and pay in instalments. Semenyo was a player Amorim approved of. However, the Bournemouth winger is now expected to join Manchester City.
Ruben Amorim complained that United were likely to be inactive during the window. He had wanted Semenyo to arrive and Joshua Zirkzee to be moved on.
Zirkzee has scored two Premier League goals in the past year. On January 2, Amorim said the striker would remain and no players would leave this month.
On Boxing Day, Amorim admitted he often had to find “common ground” with Wilcox on targets.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had already moved to reduce managerial influence over recruitment.
The shift followed Erik ten Hag’s preference for players he had worked with in Holland. Ratcliffe later admitted the club compromised with Ten Hag during the 2024 summer window.
Wilcox joined United as technical director in April 2024. He was promoted to director of football last year following Dan Ashworth’s exit.
Wilcox previously worked with chief executive Omar Berrada at Manchester City. The pair regularly sit together at United matches.
Berrada led United’s approach for Amorim in October 2024, despite reservations from Ashworth. Wilcox was supportive of the appointment.
However, Wilcox’s growing influence began to frustrate Amorim.
The Portuguese coach was attempting to lift United from sixth into the Champions League places.
United were missing eight players against Leeds and Wolves through injury and the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite that, results had dipped sharply.
The club have won only three of their last 11 matches. Most of those came with a near fully-fit squad.
United backed Amorim with a £225.3 million summer spending spree. The club maintains that he received consistent support throughout his tenure.
Ruben Amorim had publicly backed United’s recruitment model during pre-season, praising the approach of signing players for the club, not the manager.
Just five months ago, he said: “I think it’s a good thing. I think it personally, I think Jason and also Omar, that all the players that we want to bring to Manchester, any coach will want them.
“This is not my style. And I can guarantee you, if you bring any manager here, they will say, Bryan (Mbeumo), thank you. Matheus Cunha, thank you.”
United opted not to reinforce central midfield in January. That area is now expected to be overhauled in the summer.
Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are seen as more realistic targets then. A larger budget is expected to be available.
The club claim Amorim grew frustrated by a perceived lack of progress and evolution. However, the timing of his dismissal has raised questions internally.
Insiders stress the next head coach must embrace a collaborative structure. The board remain committed to that model.
Manchester United sit sixth in the Premier League and remain confident of qualifying for Europe.
Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley.
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