Ruben Amorim’s brief and turbulent reign at Manchester United came to an abrupt end on Monday, just 14 months after his appointment, following growing tension with the club’s hierarchy over control and direction.
The Portuguese coach departs with one of the poorest win ratios in United’s modern history, leaving behind a squad built around his preferred 3-4-2-1 system and now facing another tactical reset. Club legend Darren Fletcher has stepped in on an interim basis, but the ripple effects of Amorim’s exit are already being felt inside the dressing room.
For some players, the change signals opportunity. For others, it brings fresh uncertainty.
Winners
Kobbie Mainoo
Few will welcome the change more than Kobbie Mainoo. The academy graduate struggled for consistent minutes under Amorim and had reportedly been open to a January exit. With a new voice in the dugout, Mainoo now has a chance to reset and reassert himself at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes
United’s captain is expected to benefit from a shift away from Amorim’s system. Deployed deeper in midfield, Fernandes often looked constrained despite his influence. A return to a traditional number ten role could unlock the creativity and goal threat that have defined his United career.
Marcus Rashford
Amorim’s departure reopens the door for Marcus Rashford. The forward fell out with the former coach and was loaned out, first to Aston Villa and later to Barcelona. Should the Spanish giants decide against a permanent deal, Rashford could return to United with a clean slate, a scenario that once seemed unthinkable.
Losers
Patrick Dorgu
Signed to operate as a left wing-back, Patrick Dorgu’s future suddenly looks uncertain. With Luke Shaw back to full fitness and a potential return to a back four, the young defender may find himself fighting for relevance in a system that no longer suits him.
Mason Mount
Mount was one of the few players who appeared to thrive under Amorim, operating in one of the two advanced roles behind the striker. A tactical shift could see those positions disappear, leaving Mount battling for minutes in an already crowded attacking setup.
Harry Maguire
Maguire had rebuilt his United career in a back three, where his lack of pace was less exposed. A move back to a back four could change that equation. With younger, quicker options available and his contract expiring in the summer, the England international faces another fight to secure his long-term future at the club.
With another managerial search underway, Manchester United find themselves at a familiar crossroads. For the players, the Amorim era is over. The battle to impress whoever comes next has already begun.
