Ruben Amorim had grand ideas for Man Utd. The reality was simply grim

The New York Times•January 5, 2026•sports

Key Points:

Ruben Amorim was sacked as Manchester United's head coach after less than two years in charge, marking the club's third managerial change in just over 14 months amid ongoing instability.
Hired in November 2024 as part of a new modern footballing structure, Amorim was intended to focus on coaching while others managed recruitment and business, but he insisted on full managerial control, creating tension within the club.
Despite initial optimism and a busy transfer window, Amorim’s adherence to a rigid tactical system and inconsistent results led to fan frustration and internal doubts about his suitability for the Premier League environment.
United’s broader organizational issues, including unclear decision-making and structural problems under minority owner INEOS, contributed to Amorim’s struggles and