What Sir Jim Ratcliffe told BBC journalist revealed as Ruben Amorim sacked
Ruben Amorim was sacked as Man United manager on Monday in what had been a dire 14-month spell at Old Trafford.
The former Sporting CP boss was unable to turn around the Red Devils’ fortunes since he took over from Erik ten Hag last season, and what happened on Sunday was the final straw.
Man United drew 1-1 with Leeds, in what was yet another disappointing result against a side battling relegation.
However, after the game, Amorim took aim at the Man United board in an explosive post-match interview, which no doubt helped push the 40-year-old out the door.
Much of this may have come down to a power struggle over transfers, something Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously suggested wouldn’t be an issue.
Club statement: Ruben Amorim.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 5, 2026
Sir Jim Ratcliffe: Multiple figures will have a say on transfers
During his final weeks at Old Trafford, one of the biggest issues Amorim had was how transfers were being handled at the Red Devils.
The manager had previously suggested that more money needed to be spent if his system was going to work at Man United.
However, after the Leeds game, Amorim appeared frustrated over the lack of control he had at Man United, a possible indication that he was annoyed with their transfer policy.
He stated that he came to Old Trafford to be the manager, “not to be the head coach.”
😳 “I came here to be the manager of Man Utd, not to be the coach, and every department – the scouting department, the sporting director – needs to do their job. I will do mine for 18 months, and then we move on.”
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) January 4, 2026
The full clip of Ruben Amorim’s outburst to end today’s… pic.twitter.com/MHU47WBINc
Yet, past comments by Ratcliffe to BBC Sports editor Dan Roan on 10 March 2025 suggested transfer policy was always going to be shared among multiple figures.
He said when asked about the potential sale of players: “No no. We won’t be selling players because of the state we are in financially.
“The way we are resolving the financial issue is to cut the… the club had got bloated so we reduced that and will finish it with a lean and efficient organisation. That’s how we will address the costs.
“The player decisions are ones that Omar (Berrada), Ruben and Jason (Wilcox) – and a bit me – will make in the summer. And that will all be focused on how we are going to improve performance. That’s all.”
Who is the current favourite to take over at Man United?
Currently, Oliver Glasner is the favourite to take over at Man United at 5/2.
The Crystal Palace boss has been excellent at the Eagles since his arrival in 2024, guiding them to an FA Cup and Community Shield title.
Enzo Maresca and Laurent Blanc are next on the list, at 6/1 and 8/1.
Xavi is also in the running at 10/1, with the former Barcelona boss looking to return to the dugout and get his managerial career back on track.