In The News Ken Early on why Ruben Amorim and Manchester United were a disastrous match
Jan 7, 2026
Ken Early, an Irish Times football columnist, dives into the rocky tenure of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. He highlights the early warning signs of a poor fit and Amorim's damaging public critiques of players. The discussion touches on structural tensions between managers and coaches, and the political savviness required to survive in modern football. Early critiques Amorim's rigid tactics, explores strained player relations, and discusses potential replacements while affirming that Manchester United remains a prestigious role despite its challenges.
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Public Criticism Undermines Authority
- Ruben Amorim clashed with United because he publicly criticized players and hierarchy, undermining his authority.
- Persistent public attacks tend to alienate staff and destabilize a manager's position.
Head Coach vs Manager Power Shift
- The modern head coach role often removes transfer and hiring control from the coach to directors.
- That structural change creates tension when coaches expect traditional managerial authority.
Why Sporting Directors Exist
- Clubs introduced sporting directors to steady recruitment and avoid short-term churn from managers.
- The model expects coaches to fit the club ethos rather than remodel squads immediately.