Manchester United's head coach, Ruben Amorim, has launched a stunning public rebuke of the club's hierarchy, emphatically stating he is at Old Trafford to be the "manager" and not merely a coach. The Portuguese's explosive comments came after his side's 1-1 draw away to Leeds United on Sunday, casting serious doubt over his long-term future amid an escalating internal power struggle.
A defiant declaration of authority
In a tense and impassioned press conference at Elland Road, a clearly frustrated Amorim directly addressed what he perceives as a lack of support and selective briefings against him. "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United – not to be the coach of Manchester United," he asserted. The 40-year-old pointedly referenced high-profile managers like Thomas Tuchel, José Mourinho, and Antonio Conte, insisting his role should carry similar weight despite his official 'head coach' title.
Amorim's outburst followed a match where Matheus Cunha's second-half goal salvaged a point for United, cancelling out Brenden Aaronson's first-half opener for Leeds. However, the on-pitch action was swiftly overshadowed by the drama unfolding in the media room.
A direct challenge to the scouting department
The core of Amorim's frustration appears to centre on transfer strategy and his influence over squad building. With the January window open and United grappling with an injury crisis and Afcon absentees, the manager delivered a stark message to the club's recruitment team. He told the scouting department and sporting director Jason Wilcox "to do their job."
This public challenge highlights the reported strain in Amorim's relationship with Wilcox, the director of football. It has also been suggested that United's head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, has questioned the manager's tactical approach, further fuelling tensions behind the scenes.
An uncertain future at Old Trafford
Perhaps most significantly, Amorim raised major questions about his tenure, which currently has 18 months remaining on his contract. When pressed on transfer policy, he stated, "I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on." He clarified he would not quit but would see out his deal "until the board decide to change."
Amorim also made a pointed remark about the culture at the club, suggesting, "If people cannot handle the Gary Nevilles and the criticisms of everything, we need to change the club," before abruptly ending the conference. This comment appears to reference the intense scrutiny and punditry that surrounds Manchester United.
The manager had previously hinted at discord in the build-up to the Leeds game, noting a lack of conversations about strengthening the squad this month. Sunday's remarkable press conference has now brought those internal conflicts into the open, setting the stage for a pivotal period in Amorim's reign and United's season.
