Manchester United finally pulled the plug on Ruben Amorim after 14 months that felt like a slow-motion car crash. It’s been a stretch full of bad decisions, stubborn tactics, and more than a few moments that fans would rather forget.

Amorim showed up in November 2024, not long after Erik ten Hag got the boot—even though Ten Hag had just signed a new contract. The club wanted someone to bring some fresh energy and direction, and Amorim, with two Primeira Liga titles at Sporting under his belt, seemed like the guy. But here we are, with United sitting sixth in the table and Amorim blowing up at reporters after a 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road. So, how did it all fall apart?

First, the tactics. If there’s one thing people will remember about Amorim at Old Trafford, it’s his absolute refusal to try anything but his beloved 3-4-3. When he took the job, everyone knew the squad just didn’t fit that system—the full-backs couldn’t play as wing-backs, and the midfield was left wide open. Didn’t matter. Amorim even joked that not even the Pope could change his mind. That stubbornness helped seal his fate, and now whoever comes in next has to work with a squad built for a system that isn’t working.

Then there’s the Marcus Rashford mess. Rashford scored right away under Amorim, but it was all downhill from there. The two never clicked. Rashford was out the door on loan to Aston Villa by January and then off to Barcelona in the summer. Rashford’s career got back on track elsewhere, but United only got loan fees and lost a homegrown star for basically nothing.

Amorim was supposed to be great with young players, which is something United always expects from their managers. But he wasted that chance. Alejandro Garnacho, who looked untouchable just last summer, ended up being sold to Chelsea. Rasmus Hojlund was loaned to Napoli. And then there’s Kobbie Mainoo—he started the Euro 2024 final for England, but under Amorim, he turned into a utility man, shuffled around with no clear role. Fans hated it.

Last season was a disaster—United finished 15th, their worst in 50 years. Even Amorim admitted, “We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.” He picked up just 27 points from 27 games. Things got a bit better this year, but not enough for a club with United’s history.

If there was one bright spot, it was the Europa League run. Amorim took United all the way to the final, with that wild comeback against Lyon in the quarters. But then they didn’t show up against Tottenham, losing 1-0—their fourth loss to Spurs that year. No trophy, no big Champions League payday. It stung.

And who could forget the Grimsby humiliation? That was just the cherry on top of a tenure the club will want to move on from fast.

Amorim had some rough losses—those games against Bournemouth, Brighton, and even a ten-man Everton stand out. But honestly, nothing topped getting knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town, a team from League Two.

Grimsby jumped ahead with two goals, but Manchester United scored twice late to force penalties. The shootout turned into a marathon, ending 12-11, and Grimsby’s fans wasted no time. They started chanting “sacked in the morning” at Amorim, and social media lit up with memes of him clutching his tactics board on the sideline.

Things really fell apart for him over the holidays. That stretch is always brutal in England, and it ended up being his breaking point. First, there was a dismal home draw with Wolves—a team that barely had any points. Then, a 1-1 draw at Leeds. After that match, Amorim aimed for the club’s scouting department and the sporting director right in the press conference. Less than a day later, the club showed him the door.

Marcus Rashford has made no secret of how excited he feels about the year ahead, especially now that Manchester United has sacked Ruben Amorim. Right now, Rashford’s loving his season-long loan at Barcelona. He’d pushed to leave Old Trafford last summer, hoping for a fresh start.

Things hadn’t exactly gone his way under Amorim. Rashford lost his spot in the team and headed to Aston Villa, hungry for regular minutes. That move never turned permanent, though, and Rashford kept searching for consistent game time. Eventually, he landed in Barcelona.

Under Hansi Flick, Rashford really seems to be thriving. Meanwhile, back in Manchester, the club had another wild ride, capped off by Amorim’s sacking on Monday.

So, it’s another shake-up for United. Darren Fletcher is stepping in as interim manager, at least for the midweek trip to Burnley.

Rashford has bagged seven goals in 25 games for Barcelona so far. He recently talked about how fired up he feels for the rest of the year, as his loan spell in Spain winds down.

On Instagram, he wrote, “As 2025 comes to a close, I’m grateful for a year of change and self-reflection. Stepping into 2026 feeling excited, motivated, and ready to be ambitious both in sport and life. MR14.”

Back when Amorim was in charge, Rashford barely got a look in—just six appearances and two goals. Amorim even left him out of the Manchester derby, which was a huge call. That match turned around thanks to Amad, who led United to a comeback win over City.

Rashford’s last game for United was a Europa League trip to Viktoria Plzen. He got subbed off before the hour mark with United behind. Rasmus Hojlund ended up scoring twice and saving the day.

Rashford has said before he’d love to stay at Barcelona. Speaking to Sport, he opened up: “I’m adapting very well to the club and the city. From the moment I arrived, everyone welcomed me. I’m here to help the team win trophies.

“Last season was fantastic, but things change quickly, and the goal is to repeat those successes. I’m totally focused on that. The staff and my teammates are fantastic—I can’t complain.

“Of course, I want to stay at Barca. That’s the end goal, but that’s not why I train hard every day. The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge club, built to win titles.”

He continued, “There’s pressure here, but it’s the kind of pressure you want as a player. I need to be somewhere with big expectations. It’s hard to be motivated if the demands aren’t high.

“I’m in the perfect place to keep growing as a footballer. All I can do is give my best every day and help the team win. We’ll see what next summer brings.”