Man United officially sent Ruben Amorim packing this morning. It comes less than 24 hours after the Red Devils drew to their longtime rivals Leeds United (a result that stings like a loss).
Many would argue that Ruben Amorim's departure from the club was a long time coming. Indeed, despite his best efforts, the club has not elevated to a new level, and they are still seen as the laughing stock they were before he left.
That might seem harsh to say, but unfortunately, it's true. Man United actually started this season pretty well. While they have been helped by some top teams falling above them, the Red Devils sit fifth in the Premier League table as it stands. That's nowhere near good enough, but it beats 15th, where they finished last campaign.
Man United can't escape the obvious reason they sacked Ruben Amorim
Truth be told, Man United only decided to sack Ruben Amorim because their egos were hurt. Let's call it what it is; it's ridiculous that the club waited until Amorim climbed ten places in the table to sack him. If they were to do it at the right time, last season was it.
Man United were, for once, starting to pick up some momentum. Starting the new year with a complete change in strategy is not what some of the Man United players had in mind, especially with the confidence that would have undoubtedly grown recently.
However, Man United chiefs made the decision right after Ruben Amorim began to call out the club's hierarchy and their lack of 'doing their job,' effectively.
In his own words, Ruben Amorim said: "I just want to say I came here to be the manager, not to be the coach. In every department - the scouting department, the sporting director – [they] need to do their job. I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on."
Amorim then reiterated his point: "I just want to say that I'm going to be the manager of this team, not just the coach. I was really clear on that. That is going to finish in 18 months, and then everyone is going to move on. That was the deal. That is my job. Not to be a coach."
It really is no coincidence that a day later, Amorim lost his job. Unfortunately, though, while some fans will hail the decision as being the correct one, it reveals a darker truth about the ways in which Man United is run.
The Man United board cares more about their public image than the performances on the pitch. That, in itself, is a hilarious juxtaposition.