Rio Ferdinand explained how he felt Ruben Amorim’s time at Manchester United was coming to an end before his sacking on Monday, although he was still a bit surprised during a training ground visit.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand says he is not surprised by the club’s decision to sack Ruben Amorim given the Portuguese’s track record. He also revealed that when he visited the practice field recently, he got the impression that his tenure as manager was only numbered.
The Red Devils announced on Monday morning that they had decided to part ways with the 40-year-old, despite a marked improvement in his performances at Old Trafford. The club released a statement: “Rouven Amorim has resigned from his position as head coach of Manchester United.
“Ruben took over in November 2024 and led the team to the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao in May. Manchester United are currently sixth in the Premier League and the club’s leadership have reluctantly decided that now is the right time to make a change.”
read more: Manchester United sack Ruben Amorim LIVE: Full statement, confirms decision on next managerread more: Manchester United’s full statement reveals the reason for Ruben Amorim’s dismissal
“This will give the team the best chance of achieving the best possible result in the Premier League. The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Darren Fletcher will take charge of the squad against Burnley on Wednesday.”
Upon receiving this news, Ferdinand explained that although he was somewhat unaware of the timing, Amorim’s records speak for themselves. He said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, “They fired him, they fired him!”
He added: “When I woke up this morning, I didn’t expect Reuben Amorim to be sacked. He wasn’t among the four or five managers I thought would be sacked next.”
“I’m surprised, but when you look at his record in black and white, I’m not surprised. I think that’s decisive and why it became so clear overnight (says). Now two managers have spoken out against the pecking order and been summarily sacked. But his record is the worst of any United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson.”
Ferdinand highlighted that a recent visit to the training ground had raised concerns that the head coach’s tenure at Old Trafford may be coming to an end. “I watched his last two press conferences and thought something was wrong.
“One of the best traits about this player, one of the most likable things about him, was that he had a very punchy, upbeat demeanor in press conferences. He had a pretty upbeat demeanor about himself. He looked depressed in the last two press conferences. I didn’t say that because I can go into the practice field and see people and stuff.”
“Last time I went there to interview Bruno (Fernandes), I met the manager and we talked a little bit, about five or 10 minutes. He’s (usually) a warm guy, he spends time with you, he’s an open book. Last time I was there, I noticed right away that there was a cold side to him. It was really different from what I had seen before.”
“Looking back now, things were starting to go well before Christmas. I don’t think this happened overnight, in terms of his interactions with the hierarchy and how he felt about things. I felt this coldness that I saw in the last two press conferences. I saw it in him.”
“It felt good on the training ground, the atmosphere around the players was good, but he felt a little distant. When I last saw him, he was a completely different person. I thought the fatigue and pressure of a long, hard season was slowly getting to him. Maybe he woke up on the wrong side of the bed. But looking back now, this was ready before Christmas. 100 percent.”
United currently sit in 6th place in the Premier League with a record of 8 wins, 7 draws and 5 losses, a significant jump from 15th place in the 2024-25 season. However, Amorim has come under fire this season for his comments following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
“I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the manager of Manchester United, that’s clear,” Amorim said after the game at Elland Road.
“I know my name isn’t[Thomas]Tuchel or[Antonio]Conte or[Jose]Mourinho, but I’m the manager of Manchester United and this situation will continue for 18 months or until the board decides to replace me. I’m not going to quit. I’m going to do my job until another guy comes here to replace me.”
Following Amorim’s departure, Fletcher will take over as first-team manager for Wednesday’s Premier League match against Burnley. At this stage, it is unclear whether the club will continue to manage the Under-18s for the remainder of the campaign or bring in a more experienced top-flight manager.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily Manchester United content from Mirror Football. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
