The sacking of Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim on Monday morning left the majority of the dressing room unhappy, with many players reportedly still supporting the Portuguese manager. His 14-month spell was abruptly ended less than a day after the draw against Leeds due to an internal power struggle.
Despite some friction with key figures in the club hierarchy, Amorim retained the confidence of the team. According to The Sun, United players were informed of Amorim’s departure on Monday morning, with many feeling his sacking was imminent. Following his departure, a number of United’s stars took to social media to express their gratitude to Amorim, but their sentiments were not necessarily directed at the departing Old Trafford managers.
There were signs of progress under Amorim’s tutelage, including a notable victory over Liverpool and victories over teams such as Newcastle. However, despite setbacks such as home draws against West Ham and Wolves, the players remained committed to Amorim’s vision.
However, it turns out that a clash between Amorim and Lisandro Martinez led to a heated showdown. The Argentine defender felt ignored by the Portuguese coach, even though he believed he was ready to start.
After the incident, Martinez returned to the starting lineup and wore the captain’s armband.
Unlike previous managerial departures in Manchester, the players were not consulted about Amorim’s situation before the decision was made. The INEOS leadership has taken the decision independently, increasing pressure on the next appointment in the dugout.
His press conference at Elland Road is understood to have been the breaking point. He suggested a variety of grievances focused on seeking greater authority and influence.
Amorim also hinted that he was already considering leaving the club when his contract expires.
Gary Neville insists that no one emerged from the Amorim situation with any credibility. He said: “If the manager is sacked, it’s a bad reflection on everyone. It means the manager is not functioning.
“Everyone loses in the end, especially when you sack a manager midway through the season. It’s very difficult to get a suitable replacement.
“I’m surprised by what happened this morning, but I’m not surprised by what happened. I didn’t expect it to happen this early. I thought I would get through it for two more weeks and figure out what to do.”
