A prominent Saudi Arabian sports figure has voiced his opinion on the recent managerial changes at Manchester United, calling for a complete overhaul of the club's leadership. Turki Alalshikh, a royal advisor, influential figure in boxing, and an established investor in sports, has publicly stated his desire for the Glazer family to relinquish their ownership of the club following the sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim.
Ruben Amorim was sacked on Monday, January 5, 2026, after a 14-month tenure marked by a power struggle over transfer policy and tactical disagreements. The Portuguese manager's departure follows an explosive outburst after a 1-1 draw against Leeds United, where he criticized the club's recruitment department. Amorim's relationship with Director of Football Jason Wilcox and Chief Executive Omar Berrada had reportedly become strained due to disagreements over transfer targets and tactical approaches. The club was unwilling to invest heavily in Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 formation, creating further friction.
Manchester United released a statement confirming Amorim's departure, stating that the decision was made to provide the team with the "best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish". Darren Fletcher has been appointed as interim manager and will take charge of the team for the upcoming game against Burnley.
Shortly after the announcement of Amorim's sacking, Turki Alalshikh posted a message on social media expressing his desire for the Glazer family to leave the club. "Praise be to God … finally … may the Glazer [family] follow soon," he wrote.
The Glazer family's ownership of Manchester United has been a source of controversy since their leveraged buyout in 2005. The takeover saddled the club with significant debt, and fans have protested against their management for years. While the Glazers have overseen commercial growth and expansion of Old Trafford, their tenure has also been marked by a decline in on-field success and a perceived lack of investment in the team.
Alalshikh's public statement adds further pressure on the Glazers, who have faced calls to sell the club. The Saudi Arabian has a strong presence in the sports world, having previously owned Spanish football club Almeria and Egyptian side Pyramids FC. He has also invested heavily in boxing, staging high-profile events in Saudi Arabia. While there have been reports linking him with a potential takeover of an English football club, it remains to be seen whether he will pursue a deal for Manchester United.
The future of Manchester United remains uncertain, with the club now searching for a new permanent manager and facing continued scrutiny over its ownership. Alalshikh's intervention highlights the growing discontent among fans and influential figures who believe a change in ownership is necessary to restore the club to its former glory.
