Three at the Back, One Exit: Amorim's United Era Ends in Turmoil
6 January 2026
Manchester United announced on Monday the sacking of Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim after just 420 days in charge, following a string of underwhelming results, isolation in the locker room, and tensions with the club's management.
Amorim, who arrived at Old Trafford in November 2024 from Sporting Lisbon, tried to implement his preferred three-defender system but struggled to adapt to the club's attacking and open style, as wanted by the management.
Contested tactical shift before the Wolves game
Daily Mail reported on Tuesday that this was evident before the Wolves game, when he told players to switch from four to three defenders, leaving them astonished and disoriented, and the match ended 1-1 amid jeers from United fans.
A lack of captain Bruno Fernandes, plus two senior leaders like Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui, left the manager more isolated, while players grew uncomfortable with his system after more than a year, and the team looked vulnerable to opponents.
Board backing but insufficient progress
Club officials said Amorim had the full backing of the board, but he failed to make enough progress in developing the squad, and he appeared emotionally affected by the board's feedback.
His public comments about his title as 'head coach' and lack of control over team matters added extra strain, deepening the rift between him, the players and the management.
Season struggles and a turbulent end
During his tenure, the team stumbled, winning only one of five matches around Christmas against mid-table sides, while fans remained worried by Amorim's reliance on changing defenders instead of finding attacking solutions, despite big spending on forwards.
Despite the dismissal, Amorim remains committed to his footballing principles, hoping to return to coaching soon, with speculation about a possible return to Sporting Lisbon or a new coaching post in Europe, while exiting United after a turbulent season and disappointing Premier League results, leaving the side sixth on goal difference from a Champions League spot.
Punchline 1: His three-at-the-back plan is sharp—just not aimed at the target.
Punchline 2: In football, timing is everything; United found the exit first.
