Locker Room Alarm: Why United Is Reconsidering Amorim’s Future

Context and Friction

Manchester United’s leadership has grown uneasy with the way Ruben Amorim has handled feedback from football director Jason Wilcox and with his public criticisms of academy players, including first-team striker Patrick Dorgo on loan. Club officials see these comments as stepping beyond what is appropriate within the club.

According to The Sun, United were unhappy with how Amorim dealt with notes presented to him, describing his recent responses as more emotional and volatile than expected from a manager tasked with stabilizing a fractured setup.

Key Incidents and Tactical Debates

The furor intensified after a disappointing 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against Wolverhampton Wanderers last week. Four days earlier Amorim had guided the team to a win over Newcastle United with a back four, only to revert to his preferred 3-4-2-1 against a side bottom in the table.

Wolves had earned just two points from 18 matches before that draw, while United had won only three of their past 11 under Amorim.

Discontent also flared over Amorim’s comments about academy players Harry Ames and Chido Obi, with the manager claiming Ames was “suffering” during his loan at Sheffield Wednesday and noting that 18-year-old Obi did not feature regularly for the Under-21s.

What Lies Ahead for United and Amorim

Amorim did not back down, returning the following week to insist there exists a “culture of entitlement” within United’s academy—a verdict met with guarded skepticism by club leaders.

In November, he stated there could be concern when the ball reaches left winger Patrick Dorgo, described as the club’s first data-driven signing after moving from Lecce for £29 million last season.

United stressed in March that the recruitment policy would prioritize players capable of playing in multiple systems, not just those suited to a three-man defense.

Insiders say Amorim told the board the initial phase of his tenure would focus on rebuilding the team’s structure to create a more stable core after a playing style described internally as “basketball” under former boss Erik ten Hag.

Pressure mounted when Amorim reacted negatively to notes from Jason Wilcox, who oversees the club’s “playing model.”

Though the public eye lingered on the 3-4-2-1 setup, sources insist the core dispute was less about formation and more about overall playing style and the technical approach.

Ultimately, Amorim’s conduct and recurring statements proved hard to ignore; leadership concluded his continued tenure was no longer tenable.

Punchline 1: If leadership were a formation, Amorim’s would be a 2-3-5—too many positions, not enough direction.
Punchline 2: If his press conferences were a sniper shot, they’d miss the target but at least land a headline.