The post-Alex Ferguson era at Old Trafford has entered a new state of turmoil as Manchester United officially sacked Rúben Amorim on the morning of Monday, January 5, 2026.
After only 14 months in charge, the Portuguese manager was relieved of his duties following a 1-1 draw against Leeds United.
The dismissal has triggered a wave of mixed reactions from the squad, exposing deep divisions between those who flourished under his system and those who were frozen out—including Alejandro Garnacho, who famously left for Chelsea after a public fallout.
The Garnacho Fallout: From Carrington to Chelsea
One of the most defining moments of the Amorim era was the “public dressing down” of Alejandro Garnacho. The 21-year-old Argentina international was reportedly axed in front of the entire squad before his £40 million transfer to Chelsea in the summer of 2025.
Following the news of the sacking, Garnacho made his feelings clear by “liking” Fabrizio Romano’s Instagram post announcing the departure. Sources suggest Garnacho’s exile was due to “attitude problems,” but his move to Stamford Bridge has left United fans wondering if the club let go of a generational talent too soon.
Kobbie Mainoo and the “Fat Payout” Controversy
While veterans like Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes posted emotional tributes to “The Boss,” younger stars showed a different side. Kobbie Mainoo, whose minutes were severely limited under Amorim, sparked controversy by liking a post that mocked the manager’s reported £10 million payout.
The post featured memes of Amorim and his staff leaving the training ground “laughing and joking,” with captions suggesting they were celebrating their massive compensation.
Why Manchester United Sacked Rúben Amorim
The decision to fire Amorim wasn’t just about the team sitting 6th in the Premier League. According to internal reports, a power struggle with the hierarchy—specifically Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada—over transfer policy became untenable. Amorim famously told the press, “I came here to be the manager, not the coach,” expressing frustration over his lack of control.
The club’s refusal to sanction his January targets, combined with his “reactive” playing style, led the leadership team to conclude that a change was necessary to save the 2025/26 season.
Do you think Manchester United made the right move by sacking Amorim before the January window closed, or is the club’s leadership the real problem?
