Amorim’s Future at Manchester United Uncertain Amid Wilcox Transfer Dispute

Ruben Amorim’s future at Manchester United is increasingly uncertain, with tensions between the head coach and director of Football Jason Wilcox contributing to what is seen as an unpredictable situation at the club.

Amorim is understood to be unhappy after believing the club would support him during the January transfer window should a major signing become available. That stance has since changed, and Wilcox—who reports to chief executive Omar Berrada—has reportedly informed the 40-year-old coach of the revised position.

Amorim took charge of United in November 2024. At the time, SIR Jim Ratcliffe, who oversees the club’s football operations, indicated that Amorim should be given three years to prove himself. However, it is now believed that senior figures at the club have developed reservations about the Portuguese coach.

These concerns reportedly predate Amorim’s public outburst following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds, during which he insisted he is the club’s manager rather than merely a coach and suggested he may “move on” once his contract expires in 18 months.

The Guardian reported in mid-December that Amorim was reluctant to sanction the sale of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Although the 20-year-old has yet to start a Premier League match this season due to injury, club executives reportedly believe Mainoo could convince Amorim—or a future head coach—that he merits a regular role.

Speaking on Friday, Amorim declined to expand on comments made on Christmas Eve. “I feel like we need to spend a lot of money and time if we have to play a perfect 3-4-3,” he said. “I’m beginning to realize that won’t happen.”

When asked whether Wilcox had spoken to him or if he had been informed of changes to the transfer budget, Amorim replied: “I don’t want to talk about that. You have a lot of information.”

Amorim’s position at United remains unclear, with some within the club viewing him as temperamental. While he stated during the Leeds match that he will not resign, it is uncertain whether he will ultimately remain in the role. Wilcox is believed to enjoy stronger backing from the chief executive following Berrada’s appointment.

The situation intensified further on Sunday when Amorim delivered a fiery press conference at Elland Road, pointedly urging the scouting department and sporting director “to do their job.”

After Matheus Cunha’s equaliser cancelled out Brenden Aaronson’s opener—leaving United sixth in the table—Amorim said: “I noticed that you receive selective information about everything. I came here to be Manchester United’s manager, not just the coach. That’s obvious.”

“I know my name is not Thomas Tuchel, José Mourinho or Antonio Conte, but I’m the manager,” he added. “Until the board decides to make a change, I will continue for 18 months. I’m not going to resign.”

Addressing transfer policy, Amorim said: “Every department—the scouting department, the sporting director—needs to do their job. I’ll do mine for 18 months, and then we’ll move on.” He also remarked that if the club cannot handle criticism from figures such as Gary Neville, “we need to change the club,” before abruptly ending the press conference.

Despite his remarks, Amorim’s official title remains head coach. It has also been reported that Christopher Vivell, United’s head of recruitment, has questioned some of Amorim’s methods.