We can’t pretend we didn’t see this coming. In fact, we can’t even pretend we didn’t manifest this. After months of critical pieces on this very website, and several Manchester United legends suspiciously discovering the same opinions for their podcasts, the inevitable has finally arrived.
Brexit Jim has seen the light. Or at least watched Ruben’s latest press conference and didn’t like the fireworks. What’s next, Ruben teaching petrochemicals and posting “10 Leadership Hacks” on LinkedIn? Jim’s not waiting for the synergy seminar And so, his trusted lieutenant, footballing mastermind Jason Wilcox, has been dispatched to do what Manchester United do best – remove another brilliant idea before it has time to settle.
Ruben Amorim is gone. 14 months into arguably the worst managerial tenure post-Fergie.
Bold. Brave. Charismatic. Portuguese. Everything United fans were told would finally fix the club. Until it didn’t.
Here is the United statement in full. “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United. Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May. With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change.
This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish. The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future. Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday”
Reluctantly, of course. Always reluctantly. As if someone didn’t hover over the big red “Sack the Manager” button for three weeks waiting for the right excuse
Sooooo…3-4-3. Or as United fans know it: The One Ring to Rule Them All, until Newcastle Away. Dogma feels divine, until the opposition cracks the gospel and suddenly you’re preaching to an empty choir. And let’s be real, the Pope on a smartphone? About as likely as Ruben answering the call. Spoiler: he wouldn’t.
This squad was assembled across five different eras, three sporting directors, and at least one summer window fuelled entirely by panic. Expecting them to suddenly operate like Sporting CP was always optimistic. Expecting them to enjoy it was flat out delusional. What a mess.
Darren Fletcher will take charge against Burnley, because when in doubt, Manchester United always reach for a former legend and hope nostalgia patches structural decay.
It’s tradition now. A club hero as emotional insulation. A human shield. A familiar face to calm the natives while the board figures out which “elite, modern coach” they’ll undermine next.
Giggs. Ole. Carrick. Ruud. Now Fletcher.
Different eras. Same outcome. Same smiling photos. Same eventual regret.
What’s next? Another reset. Another philosophy. Another summer where United “back the manager” until October.
Maybe we go full nostalgia. Bring back Ole. Counter-attacking football. Good vibes. Smiles. The occasional miracle night. PSG anyone?
Manchester United don’t know what they want. They just know they want it now. Preferably while playing “the United way,” a concept no one can define but everyone knows when it isn’t happening.
Ruben Amorim becomes the latest name on the list. Another smart coach fed into the machine. Another lesson unlearned.
In Darren we trust.
For now.
