- Insiders hint departing manager’s popularity intact
Hours after he was sacked in dramatic fashion during an early-morning meeting with club bosses, Manchester United players swamped social media channels to thank Coach Ruben Amorim and wish him well for the future.
And while there was clearly lots of warmth towards the exiting manager from most of the squad, there was silence from a few other notable stars in the United Squad.
After just 14 months in charge, Amorim’s departure sends shockwaves across the Premier League following an explosive breakdown in relations between the Portuguese coach and the club’s hierarchy.
According to insiders’ reports, tensions boiled over after the draw with Leeds United at the weekend, where a visibly frustrated Amorim used his post-match press conference to demand he be referred to as the “Manager,” not just the “Head Coach,” and openly criticised Director of Football, Jason Wilcox.
Unfortunately, his public airing of grievances, stemming from disagreements over transfer policy and tactical approach, was the final straw for the United board to dismiss him.
Currently sixth in the Premier League, the Red Devils said the decision was made “reluctantly” but was necessary to “give the team the best opportunity” for a higher finish at season’s end.
Amorim departs with the lowest victory rate of any permanent United manager in the Premier League era, a tenure marked by a problematic 3-4-3 system that left the club struggling in most of their matches.
However, despite being sent packing unceremoniously, the Portuguese Coach has received a torrent of well wishes from many of his former players.
While hailing their sacked boss, United players took to Instagram, led by Captain Bruno Fernandes, who said: “Thank you Mister. Wish you and your technical staff all the best.”
Joshua Zirkzee said: “All the best for the future boss.”
Patrick Dorgu added a familiar message, stating: “Thanks for everything Mister. All the best in the future.”
Matthijs de Ligt continued the sentiment of good wishes, saying: “Thank you for everything boss. Good luck for the future.” A message which was repeated by Harry Maguire.
Benjamin Sesko simply said: “Thank you for everything boss.”
Also Amad Diallo wrote: “Good luck coach, thanks for everything. I wish you the best.”
Silence Speaks Volumes
Amid the floods of kind words, Two absentees were conspicuous on the list of those wishing Amorim good luck for the future – Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez.
Amorim and Mainoo had a difficult relationship primarily due to tactical differences and a lack of playing time for the young midfielder. The Coach felt Mainoo lacked the necessary pace for his system and regularly left him on the bench, leading to tension and a reported “shouting match” at the training ground.
Mainoo’s family and former players publicly criticised the manager’s treatment of the England international, who had a breakout season the year prior under Erik ten Hag. Just a couple of weeks ago, Mainoo half-brother was spotted at Old Trafford wearing a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” t-shirt, further adding to the noise around the situation.
The situation is a little less frosty with Martinez, Amorim often praised his character and leadership, even making him captain in the absence of Fernandes. However, the manager did have to put the defender in his place after Martinez pushed to return from a long-term ACL injury sooner than medically advised.
Also, Alejandro Garnacho, now with Chelsea after falling out with Amorim at the end of last season, appeared to revel in his former coach’s downfall by ‘liking’ a social media post announcing his dismissal.
Woeful Record In Charge
In his 14 months in charge, Amorim won just 24 out of 63 matches, leaving him with a win percentage of just 38.7. It is comfortably the worst record of any manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, with Louis van Gaal, Erik ten Hag, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Jose Mourinho and David Moyes all winning at least 52% of their games.
Additionally, it is the worst record of any United coach since Frank O’Farrell in the early 1970s. And unlike Moyes, who at least had the excuse of being given just £27 million to spend on Marouane Fellaini in his first transfer window and arrived just after chief executive David Gill had departed alongside Ferguson, Coach Amorim cannot say he was not backed in the transfer market or allowed to reshape the squad.
Race For Coach’s Replacement On
Already, United have a long list of potential replacements for Amorim and they are certainly not short of interested parties. The key will be to install the right man who can return the club to the pinnacle of the English game.
Among the hot favourites is Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, who is out of contract at the end of the season. Other names touted include former England manager Gareth Southgate and the recently-sacked Chelsea boss, Enzo Maresca.
With the club still making up their mind on possible new boss, former Red Devils midfielder, Darren Fletcher will take temporary charge for Wednesday’s game against Burnley.
