Amorim’s Manchester United role uncertain amid tensions with director Wilcox

Ruben Amorim’s future at Manchester United is in the balance amid a strained relationship with the club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox. Amorim believed United would back him in the January transfer window if a major signing became available, but that support is reported to have changed, causing him discontent.

He is believed to have been informed of the change on the authority of Wilcox, who reports to chief executive Omar Berrada. Amorim took charge in November 2024, and although Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously said he should be given three years, it is understood there are now reservations within the hierarchy.

Those concerns existed before Amorim’s public outburst after the 1-1 draw with Leeds, when he insisted he is United’s manager rather than just the coach and said he may 'move on' when his contract runs out in 18 months. The Guardian reported in mid-December a reluctance in the hierarchy to sell Kobbie Mainoo, who is out of favour under Amorim, is currently injured and has yet to start in the Premier League this season.

On Christmas Eve Amorim said that to play a 'perfect 3-4-3 we need to spend a lot of money and need time' and later refused to clarify whether a budget change or a conversation with Wilcox prompted his comments, saying 'I don’t want to talk about that ... You are very smart.' He is considered temperamental and United’s head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, has questioned his tactics.

Key Topics

Sports, Ruben Amorim, Manchester United, Jason Wilcox, Omar Berrada, Kobbie Mainoo