How Rio Ferdinand Predicted Amorim’s Sacking

• Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand says Ruben Amorim’s dismissal did not come as a shock, revealing that recent press conferences and a training-ground visit suggested the manager’s time at Old Trafford was coming to an end.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has said he was not surprised by the club’s decision to sack head coach Ruben Amorim, citing the Portuguese manager’s poor record and signs of growing tension behind the scenes.

United confirmed on Monday that they had parted ways with the 40-year-old, less than two seasons after his appointment, despite an improvement in the club’s league position. The decision came with the team sitting sixth in the Premier League.

Reacting to the news on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Ferdinand admitted he was taken aback by the timing of the dismissal but insisted the outcome was predictable when Amorim’s record was examined.

“I didn’t anticipate this when I woke up this morning,” Ferdinand said. “He wasn’t in the four or five managers I thought would be getting the sack next. But when you look at his record in black and white, I’m not surprised.”

Ferdinand described Amorim’s tenure as the worst of any Manchester United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson and suggested that the coach’s recent public criticism of the club’s hierarchy may have accelerated his exit.

“Two managers have spoken out against the hierarchy now and been sacked immediately,” he noted.

The former England defender also revealed that a recent visit to United’s training ground left him with the impression that Amorim’s position was already under serious threat.

“I saw his last two press conferences and thought something wasn’t right,” Ferdinand said, explaining that Amorim, usually upbeat and engaging with the media, appeared withdrawn and subdued.

He recalled a brief interaction with the coach during a visit to interview captain Bruno Fernandes, noting a noticeable change in Amorim’s demeanour.

“There was a coldness about him. He felt distant. It was completely different from what I’d seen before,” Ferdinand said.

While Ferdinand acknowledged that the overall atmosphere around the training ground and the players remained positive, he believed tensions between Amorim and the club’s leadership had been building for months.

“Looking back now, this wasn’t an overnight thing. This had been cooking before Christmas,” he added.

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Manchester United have since confirmed that former club midfielder Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team’s next match against Burnley, as preparations begin for the appointment of an interim and permanent replacement.

Despite guiding United to a Europa League final and improving their league standing, Amorim faced mounting criticism this season, particularly following his comments after a 1–1 draw with Leeds United, which reportedly played a role in the club’s decision.