Manchester United have sacked seven managers in 13 years, with Ruben Amorim the latest to get the chop after just 14 months in the hotseat
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim was sacked on Monday(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United have sacked seven head coaches over the past 13 years, with Ruben Amorim becoming the most latest casualty.
The Portuguese boss was relieved of his duties on Monday in the wake of United's 1-1 draw against Leeds. Across his 63 games in charge, Amorim recorded just 24 victories, producing a sluggish 38 per cent win rate.
That's the lowest figure of any permanent United manager in the modern era - the worst since Frank O'Farrell replaced Sir Matt Busby back in 1971. Amorim was thanked for his efforts and wished well going forward - but did the club's wording differ from the statements issued for previous departures?
In short, yes it did. Although every outgoing manager received thanks in official announcements, only a select few were offered best wishes for the future, invited back to Old Trafford later on, or saw their honours highlighted.
Below, has broken down the previous seven dismissal statements released by Manchester United's hierarchy and has ranked them from the coldest to the warmest, starting with the coldest.
David Moyes
David Moyes
David Moyes had a tough act to follow in Sir Alex Ferguson(Image: Getty)
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David Moyes lasted just 10 months in the United hot seat, claiming 27 wins from 51 matches for a 53 per cent win rate. Even though that return was stronger than several of his successors, the club were far from glowing about the Scot when he left.
"Manchester United has announced that David Moyes has left the club. The club would like to place on record its thanks for the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role," the statement read.
Notably absent was any suggestion Moyes would be welcomed back, any reference to achievements, or any message wishing him well. Since then, he has gone back to Everton and is steering the Merseyside side back up the Premier League standings.
Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho.
Jose Mourinho was successful in Manchester(Image: Getty)
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The Special One replaced Louis van Gaal in 2016 and spent two and a half seasons in charge at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho lifted the Carabao Cup, Community Shield and Europa League, yet none of those trophies were referenced in his farewell message.
The club's website posted: "Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect. The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future."
Compared to Moyes, this represented a slight softening, with United at least offering him good wishes for what came next.
Louis van Gaal
Louis van Gaal
Louis van Gaal's two-year stint was hit and miss, but ended with an FA Cup triumph(Image: Getty Images)
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Louis van Gaal was appointed as Moyes' replacement in 2014 and found it difficult to elevate the squad he inherited. He did, however, win the FA Cup in 2016 and received significant praise for that achievement upon his exit.
Ex-executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said in a statement: "I would like to thank Louis and his staff for their excellent work in the past two years culminating in winning a record-equalling 12th FA Cup for the club (and securing him a title in four different countries).
"He has behaved with great professionalism and dignity throughout his time here. He leaves us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability on the highest stage. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best in the future."
While there was no explicit invitation to return, the tone made clear how highly Van Gaal was regarded.
Ralf Rangnick
Ralf Rangnick
Ralf Rangnick's short term stint at Man United proved ill-fated(Image: Getty Images)
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Ralf Rangnick was hired as interim boss from December 2021 until May 2022, later turning down a consultancy position to become Austria national team manager. At the time, United stated: "We would like to thank Ralf Rangnick for his efforts as interim manager over the past six months.
"By mutual agreement, Ralf will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not therefore be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford. We would like to wish Ralf the best of luck in this next chapter of his career."
Rangnick clearly earned respect within the club before moving on and even played a part in selecting his replacement. Speaking of which...
Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag won two trophies at United, but long spells of dismal form clouded his legacy(Image: Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Erik ten Hag led United for two and a half years, lifting the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. Those successes were highlighted prominently as the club expressed gratitude to the Dutchman.
Their statement read: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men's first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
"We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future."
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim
Amorim lasted 14 months in the United hot seat(Image: Getty)
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The most recent exit, though far from the most affectionate, saw Amorim leave United on Monday after 14 months in charge. His Europa League final defeat was referenced, with the club stating they "reluctantly" took this step to move forward.
The club said: "Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United. Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
"With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club's leadership has reluctantly 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."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains a beloved figure in Manchester(Image: Getty)
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Finally, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returned to United as manager in 2018 and enjoyed the longest tenure of anyone on this list. He remained in charge for just under three years and finished runner-up in the 2021 Europa League final and in the Premier League in 2020/21.
Despite not winning any trophies, the club's admiration for the former striker was unmistakable. Their statement read: "Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager. Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision.
"While the past few weeks have been disappointing, they should not obscure all the work he has done over the past three years to rebuild the foundations for long-term success.
"Ole leaves with our sincerest thanks for his tireless efforts as Manager and our very best wishes for the future. His place in the club's history will always be secure, not just for his story as a player, but as a great man and a Manager who gave us many great moments. He will forever be welcome back at Old Trafford as part of the Manchester United family."
Those closing sentiments may soon prove accurate, with the Norwegian now emerging as a leading candidate to return as interim manager following Amorim's exit. Solskjaer is expected to hold face-to-face discussions with club executives, alongside fellow former player Michael Carrick.