Manchester United's Managerial Struggles: Assessing Ruben Amorim's Place in the Post-Ferguson Era

Ruben Amorim's tenure as Manchester United manager has come to an abrupt end after just 14 months, leaving many to question where he ranks among the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era managers. The Portuguese manager's time at Old Trafford was marred by poor performances and a series of disappointing results, leading to his dismissal on January 4, 2026.

Amorim arrived at Manchester United with a reputation as a tactical innovator, having previously managed Sporting CP. He was expected to bring a fresh approach and revive the Red Devils' fortunes. However, his reign was characterized by defensive vulnerabilities and an inability to consistently win matches.

One of the most damning statistics of Amorim's tenure is his win percentage. According to Squawka, he managed a mere 36.92% win rate, the lowest of any permanent Manchester United manager in the post-Ferguson era. This figure pales in comparison to his predecessors, including Jose Mourinho (58.33%), Erik ten Hag (54.69%), and Ole Gunnar Solskjær (54.17%). Even David Moyes (52.94%) and Louis van Gaal (52.43%), whose spells at the club were also considered controversial, had significantly higher win percentages.

In the Premier League, Amorim's record was equally concerning. His teams conceded 1.53 goals per game, the highest rate of any Manchester United manager. Under his leadership, the team shipped 64 goals while only scoring 58, resulting in a negative goal differential. Furthermore, his teams struggled to keep clean sheets, highlighting a systemic breakdown in the defense.

The poor results on the pitch led to growing discontent among the fans, with many calling for his sacking as early as mid-2025. The team's 15th-place finish in the 2024/25 season was a major setback, and performances never seemed to improve under Amorim's leadership. Several sources indicate that Amorim's relationship with the club's management also became strained, contributing to his eventual dismissal.

So, where does Ruben Amorim rank among the post-Sir Alex Ferguson managers? Football365 ranked Amorim at the very bottom of the list, citing his shambolic 14-month reign and the team's embarrassing performances. The publication argued that Amorim had set a new low for his replacement. Tribuna.com also noted that Amorim's 36.92% win percentage was the worst of any permanent manager since Ferguson's departure.

While other managers like David Moyes and Louis van Gaal also faced criticism during their time at Old Trafford, Amorim's statistics and overall impact arguably make him the least successful manager in the post-Ferguson era. His inability to improve the team's defense, coupled with a poor win rate and strained relationships with the management, ultimately led to his downfall. With his departure, Manchester United will be looking for a new manager to steer the club back to its former glory.


Written By
Kavya Iyer is a storyteller at heart, driven by a curiosity to uncover the human experiences that shape the world of sports. Her writing connects audiences to the determination and resilience of athletes at all levels. Kavya’s balanced reporting style blends insight, empathy, and impact. She believes great sports journalism inspires as much as it informs.
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