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Ruben Amorim's Manchester United Fallout With Jason Wilcox Explained: Here's What Happened

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 3:27 AM ET

Manchester United drew 1-1 against Leeds United on Sunday, Jan. 4, and after the match, Ruben Amorim made some striking statements. This caused a clash between the manager and his boss, Jason Wilcox, director of football.

Speaking about the constant pressure he is under, the Portuguese said, "I just want to say I'm going to be the manager of this team and not just the coach. I was really clear on that. And that is going to finish in 18 months, and then everyone is going to move on."

"That was the deal, that is the job, not to be a coach. If people cannot handle the (Sky Sports pundit) Gary Neville's criticism of everything, we need to change. In 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," he added.

According to The i Paper Sport, Omar Berrada, CEO, and Jason Wilcox have doubts over Amorim's system, which has generated doubts about the manager's future.

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe (L), chief executive Omar Berrada (C), and technical director Jason Wilcox (R) look on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on December 08, 2025, in Wolverhampton, England.Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United Fallout With Jason Wilcox Explained

"Wilcox and Berrada had been keen to see the besieged boss move on from his 3-4-3 formation, given how unsuccessful it has been," explained The i Paper Sport.

"Very much felt like Amorim is saying back me or sack me. Don't think he has the credit in the bank for that. Burnley result on Wednesday now absolutely pivotal," Journalist Peter Hall added.

talkSPORT's Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook also published an article explaining the situation and confirmed that Amorim's future at Manchester United is in the balance.

"talkSPORT understands Amorim's frustrations have boiled over after United's top brass, including Wilcox, urged him to be more tactically flexible," the cited journalists wrote.

According to the same report, there has been friction between the Portuguese manager and Wilcox since last summer, as Amorim had requested the signing of Ollie Watkins, and the sporting directorate opted to sign Benjamin Sesko.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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