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

What Sparked the Decision

Relations between the manager and the club's football department, specifically director of football the recruitment chief, had been deteriorating for a period. The immediate catalyst is believed to have been statements made by the coach following the recent 1-1 draw with their rivals. He reportedly told the recruitment team to "fulfill their responsibilities," underscoring 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 Miserable Tenure

Statistically, the Portuguese manager's time at the club was undistinguished. He departs with a record of victories of a sub-40% win rate 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.

Paradoxically, his last matches in charge showed some resilience. United were defeated only once of his last eight matches and currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table, just a narrow margin off the prized Champions League spots.

End of an Era Results

• 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)

Official Statement

In its official communication, 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, club legend Darren Fletcher will assume control on an caretaker basis. He is scheduled to be in the dugout for the next Premier League fixture against Burnley.

For the long-term position, oddsmakers and pundits are suggesting a number of possible successors. Names being linked include Spanish tactician Xavi, the Austrian manager, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, and another promising coach.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The news has generated debate among supporters and observers. Some point to the underwhelming results and tactics as justification, while others argue the ownership and directors must bear a large responsibility for continuous turmoil.

One viewpoint suggests: "{Between the consistently bad 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 mess from start to finish."

A counter-argument states: "It seems crazy to blame results when United 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 hunt for a permanent successor and the quest for stability at Old Trafford begins once again.