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Manchester United have terminated the contract of manager their Portuguese head coach after just 14 months in charge. The decision comes in the wake of a reported power struggle over January funds and despite the team's unbeaten run.

The Final Straw

Tensions between the manager and the club's hierarchy, specifically director of football Jason Wilcox, had been fracturing for weeks. The decisive moment is believed to have been statements made by the coach after the recent 1-1 draw with their rivals. He publicly challenged the recruitment team to "focus on their duties," emphasizing a fundamental rift.

"I came here to be the manager of Manchester United – not to be the coach. That is clear. I know my name is not among the elite names but I’m the manager. It’s going to be like this for 18 months or until the board decide to change. I’m not going to quit, I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me."

A Struggling Reign

Statistically, the Portuguese manager's time at Old Trafford was difficult. He departs with a win ratio of less than 39 per cent and a league points average of a meager 1.24 in the Premier League. The team suffered more defeats than it won in the calendar year 2025.

Interestingly, his last matches in charge showed a slight improvement. United were defeated only once of his last eight matches and currently sit sixth in the standings, just three points off the coveted Champions League spots.

Final Games in Charge

• 4-4 draw vs Bournemouth (Home)
• 2-1 loss vs Aston Villa (Away)
• 1-0 win vs Newcastle United (Home)
• 1-1 draw vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (Home)
• 1-1 draw vs Leeds United (Away)

Club Announcement

In its statement, the club presented the decision as one aimed at securing the highest seasonal position.

"With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has after careful consideration made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish. The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future."

Looking Ahead

In the short term, former player the Scot will assume control on an interim basis. He is scheduled to be in the technical area for the upcoming Premier League fixture against the Clarets.

For the long-term position, oddsmakers and analysts are speculating a range of possible successors. Names being linked include former Barcelona coach Xavi, the Austrian manager, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, and another promising coach.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The announcement has sparked debate among the fanbase and commentators. Some point to the poor performances and style as justification, while others believe the club's hierarchy must bear a large responsibility for instability.

One viewpoint suggests: "{Between the generally poor performances and results, the rather abhorrent win ratio and the tactical rigidity, he has no one else to blame but himself... INEOS and their ‘best-in-class’ claims should, however, feel a large brunt of the fan’s rage; this was a farce from beginning to end."

A counter-argument states: "It seems crazy to blame results when the team are joint fifth in the table... They’ve beaten Liverpool, Chelsea... and have lost only twice since 1 October. Just watching them you can see they’re a better team than last year."

The search for a new manager and the pursuit for consistency at Manchester United begins once again.