Ruben Amorim has been statistically recorded as the least successful manager in Manchester United’s Premier League history following his dismissal in early January 2026. The Portuguese coach, who was appointed with high expectations, endured a difficult spell at Old Trafford marked by poor results, internal tensions, and defensive struggles.
Amorim was relieved of his duties on January 1, 2026, after a turbulent tenure that included public criticism of the club’s structure and leadership. In one of his final media appearances, the 40-year-old suggested he was being treated as a “head coach” rather than a fully empowered manager, comments that reportedly did not sit well with the club’s hierarchy. He was also said to have clashed with director of football Jason Wilcox, particularly over failed transfer targets such as Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
### A Record-Setting Poor Run
Since the inception of the Premier League in the 1992/93 season, Amorim became the eighth manager to take charge of Manchester United. During his time at the club, he oversaw 47 league matches, winning just 15 of them. This left him with a win rate of 31.9 per cent—the lowest of any United manager in the Premier League era.
Amorim’s side suffered 19 league defeats, meaning he lost more matches than he won. One of the most damaging moments of his tenure was the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, a loss that denied United qualification for the UEFA Champions League and the significant financial benefits that accompany it.
By comparison, interim manager Ralf Rangnick won 10 of his 24 league matches, while Erik ten Hag secured victories in more than half of his 85 league games despite facing sustained criticism. Sir Alex Ferguson, United’s most successful manager, recorded a league win rate of 65.2 per cent, while José Mourinho remains the most effective post-Ferguson manager statistically, with a 53.8 per cent win rate.
### Overall Performance and Defensive Woes
Across all competitions, Amorim managed 63 matches, winning 24 and posting an overall win rate of 38.1 per cent. This figure places him only marginally above Frank O’Farrell’s 37.04 per cent record from the early 1970s. In the club’s entire top-flight history, fewer than six managers have recorded worse win ratios.
Defensively, Manchester United struggled significantly under Amorim. The team conceded the fourth-highest number of goals in the league and kept fewer clean sheets than almost every other ever-present Premier League side, with only relegation-threatened West Ham recording fewer shutouts. Only Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side and Nottingham Forest registered more defeats than United during Amorim’s tenure.
Amorim also joined David Moyes and Ralf Rangnick as one of only three post-Ferguson managers to fail to reach 50 games in charge, underlining the brevity and difficulty of his spell at the club.
### End of a Difficult Chapter
Amorim’s departure marked the seventh managerial sacking at Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, further highlighting the club’s ongoing struggle for stability. His tenure, defined by disappointing results, missed opportunities, and internal friction, will be remembered as one of the most challenging periods in the club’s modern history.
Source: Yen.com.gh
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