Ruben Amorim’s sacking, by the time it came, was long overdue, but why it came showed that he was never going to be a long-term fit for Man Utd.
Since his departure, Michael Carrick has been a breath of fresh air, but it makes a world of difference for someone to walk in and do a six-month job, and another who has to build a long-term foundation.
Having said that, it’s inarguable that Ruben Amorim could have done certain things that would have helped him keep the job.
Are you ANNOYED that Ruben Amorim never sent a message to the fans after being sacked?
Ruben Amorim is waiting until the end of the season to address his Man United sacking…
Ruben Amorim talking point graphic.
Credit: Getty Images.
Winning more games is an obvious one, but Kaka’s recent comments about a manager linked to Man Utd show that Amorim lost the battle elsewhere.
Carlo Ancelotti during the international friendly football match between Brazil and Tunisia at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, Decathlon Arena, in 2025 in Villeneuve d’Ascq near Lille, France.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Kaka on Carlo Ancelotti’s elite trait
Carlo Ancelotti is a sleeper pick among Man Utd fans because his style of management, his gravitas, experience at big clubs, and current job are all aligning.
He’s currently managing Casemiro’s Brazil, and with his experience of winning countless honours with top teams, navigating tricky atmospheres on and off the pitch is his specialty.
The age factor works against him, but United should have learned by now that there won’t be another Sir Alex Ferguson who stays at the club for 26 years.
More United News
It makes Kaka’s comments about Ancelotti’s elite trait all the more enticing, since it’s exactly what is needed to succeed at Old Trafford.
He said (On Fabio Cannavaro’s podcast Podpah): “He knows the moment when Berlusconi (former AC Milan owner) comes in and says, “No, this is the guy who has to play.” And he replies, “No, president, calm down,” and so on. He knows how to handle it, he has that flexibility, that diplomacy – and that really is a huge advantage of his.”
If this calm handling of an infamously volatile owner reminds you of a certain Portuguese manager who used to be in charge of Man Utd, then you’re not the only one.
Ancelotti shows diplomacy, which Ruben Amorim needed
Considering Amorim fell on the sword of disagreements with the board, even “blowing up” on Jason Wilcox when he suggested tweaks to a failing system, Ancelotti’s calm head looks like zen in comparison.
United, much like Real Madrid, are an intensely scrutinised and political club with a lot of moving parts and parties to satisfy.
Prove me wrong… Carlo Ancelotti should be Ineos’ top option to become permanent manager this summer!
Do you think Ancelotti would be a success? Do we stand a chance of getting him?
Ancelotti graphic
Getty Images
To keep everyone together and radiate a sense of calmness is as important, if not more, than being a tactical genius who thrives on the training pitch.
Granted, Amorim wasn’t looking like much of a tactical genius either, but his remarks off the pitch were hurting his standing too.
What sounds like honesty when sprinkled in small portions quickly starts feeling like defeatism when it keeps happening constantly.
At such a time, effectively engineering your own exit by burning bridges with your bosses is hardly the ideal thing to do.
Ancelotti, having already dealt with Madrid’s Florentino Perez and Milan’s Berlusconi, will feel like talking to Jason Wilcox is switching on “easy mode” in his managerial career.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox