Inside the Heated Transfer Dispute Between Ruben Amorim and Man Utd Executives That Resulted in His Dismissal

Table of Contents

• Ruben Amorim's Frustration
• Transfer Target Disagreements
• Desire for Manager Title
• Financial Situation
• Joshua Zirkzee Situation
• Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Influence
• Player Injuries
• Summer Spending
• Future Transfer Targets

Ruben Amorim expressed his frustration with Manchester United's lack of support regarding his transfer targets, a situation that ultimately resulted in his dismissal.

Insiders informed SunSport that there was a significant possibility Amorim's decision to leave was influenced by these frustrations—and that’s precisely what occurred on Monday morning.

Sources revealed that Amorim's primary concern was the differing transfer targets he had suggested compared to the shortlist created by Director of Football Jason Wilcox and Director of Recruitment Christopher Vivell.

Amorim insisted on being called the “manager” rather than the “head coach” in a remarkable display of authority following United's 1-1 draw with Leeds on Sunday.

Reports indicate that United has funds available to spend in this month's transfer window through a revolving credit facility.

The club was prepared to pay the fee in installments.

However, Semenyo—who Amorim was eager to sign—is anticipated to join Manchester City, and Amorim expressed concerns on Friday that United might remain inactive this month.

Amorim hoped Semenyo would join the team while United would offload Joshua Zirkzee, who has scored only two Premier League goals in the past year.

Nevertheless, Amorim stated on Friday that he expected Zirkzee to remain and that United would not be selling any players this month.

On Boxing Day, Amorim revealed that he often has to negotiate “common ground” on targets with former Southampton Director of Football Wilcox.

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe aimed to diminish the manager's influence in the transfer market in response to Erik ten Hag’s inclination to recruit players who had previously played in Holland.

Ratcliffe acknowledged that United compromised with Ten Hag on certain signings during the 2024 summer transfer window after the club decided against sacking the Dutchman.

Wilcox initially joined United as Technical Director in April 2024 but was promoted to Director of Football last year after Dan Ashworth's departure as Sporting Director.

Former Blackburn winger Wilcox collaborated with United Chief Executive Omar Berrada at City, and the two typically sit together at United matches.

Berrada spearheaded United’s pursuit of Amorim in October 2024, despite reservations from Ashworth, and Wilcox supported the appointment.

However, Wilcox’s growing influence within United's structure began to irritate Amorim as he sought to elevate the sixth-placed team into the Champions League positions.

United was missing eight players during the 1-1 draws with Leeds and Wolves last week due to injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, the team has only won three of their last 11 matches, most of which were played with a nearly fully fit squad.

United supported Amorim with a £225.3 million spending spree during the summer.

Amorim previously expressed his approval of United’s strategy to sign players for the club, rather than specifically for the manager, in an interview with British journalists during pre-season.

Just five months ago, Amorim commented: “I think it’s a positive approach. I believe that Jason and Omar, all the players we want to bring to Manchester, any coach would want them.

“This is not my style. I can assure you, if you bring any manager here, they will appreciate players like Bryan (Mbeumo) and Matheus Cunha.”

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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