Mansion Sports – Ruben Amorim has emphasized that he arrived at Manchester United to become a “manager, not merely a coach” in a message addressed directly to the club’s board.

The Portuguese coach expressed his frustration toward the Red Devils’ leadership after watching his team draw 1-1 against Leeds United on Sunday.

In a surprising emotional outburst, the 40-year-old suggested that his tenure at Old Trafford might not last long if he does not receive the support he believes is necessary.

Amorim Signals Potential Departure from Manchester United

Manchester United moved up to fifth place in the Premier League standings but failed to secure a victory against lower-table side Leeds United when playing at Elland Road.

Interestingly, during the Christmas period, Amorim had made a vague statement regarding the club’s transfer plans in January.

He stated, “I feel that if we have to play the 3-4-3 formation perfectly, we need a very large budget and time. I am beginning to understand that this will not happen. So, perhaps I must adapt.”

Following the draw against Leeds, the former Sporting CP coach did not hold back in commenting on the direction of the club.

He indicated that he desires greater control than he currently has and stated that he would leave the club after his contract expires in 2027.

When asked whether he still had the support of the board of directors, Amorim responded, “As a starting point, I see that you receive selective information about everything. I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United. And that is clear.”

“I know my name is not Thomas Tuchel, not Antonio Conte, and not Jose Mourinho, but I am the manager of Manchester United. And this will last for 18 months or until the board decides to make a change. That is my point.

“I want to end this. I will not resign. I will do my job until someone else comes to replace me.”

Amorim Wants Greater Control at Manchester United

When Amorim took over the managerial position at Manchester United in November 2024, there was a sense that the Premier League giants were entering a new and hopeful era after years marked by stagnation.

Although the Red Devils still have a chance to qualify for the Champions League next season, Amorim appears to be losing patience with his superiors.

The Manchester club did spend more than 200 million pounds on player recruitment last summer, but with captain Bruno Fernandes sidelined by injury, along with the absence of players such as Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and others, Amorim seems eager to bring in additional reinforcements this month.

He added, “I just want to say that I will be the manager of this team, not merely a coach. I have been very clear about that and that period will end in 18 months, after which everyone will move on with their respective paths. That is the agreement. That is my job, not being a coach.”

“If people are not able to handle criticism from Gary Neville and various other criticisms, then this club needs to change. I came here to be a manager, not a coach.”

“In every department—the scouting department and the sporting director—they must do their jobs, and I will do my job for 18 months, and then we move on to the next stage.”

“We Controlled Leeds”

Manchester United recorded 54.8 percent possession, attempted 15 shots compared to Leeds United’s 10, and registered an expected goals figure of 1.46 compared to 0.92.

Based on these statistics, Amorim believed that the visitors deserved all three points against Daniel Farke’s side.

He told TNT Sports, “I think we played well. I think we had better control in this match compared to the game against Wolves.”

“That is important because it shows how we can prepare this week by learning from mistakes in the previous match.”

“We controlled Leeds, both in set-piece situations and in second-ball duels, because they are very quick in the attacking line. We controlled it well.”

“We had opportunities to win the match. We lost the victory due to small details—the Leeds goal came when we were controlling the game, then one touch in a transition situation led to us conceding, but we managed to return to the match.”

“Last season the situation would have been very different. This season we control the flow of matches more than last season, but we are still frustrated because we cannot secure a win.”

Potential January Transfers for Manchester United

Amorim was also asked about what Manchester United supporters can expect during the January transfer window, especially with the return of three players participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, namely Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui, in the coming weeks.

The Portuguese coach stated, “Manchester United is one of the best clubs in the world. If you are here but are instead focused on other clubs, then there is something wrong with you.

“Focus on the matches and prepare together with the players we have. We also have additional players, and I hope Fernandes and Mount get more playing time, so that we have more players who can help the team.”

Manchester United’s next match is a visit to relegation-threatened Burnley on Wednesday in the continuation of the Premier League.