Transfer Notebook: How Amorim annoyed bosses before Man United axe, freed Mainoo makes exit U-turn, Semenyo says final farewell


Ruben Amorim’s public criticism of his players played a role in his brutal sacking as Manchester United manager.

The Pitch Prospect understands the Old Trafford hierarchy were stunned when Amorim told a packed press conference that Patrick Dorgu was suffering under the weight of the expectations of playing for United.

Amorim was perhaps a little too honest when discussing the abilities of his players at Manchester United

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Amorim was perhaps a little too honest when discussing the abilities of his players at Manchester United.

There is also a feeling that he should have been more positive in his comments about summer signing Benjamin Sesko struggling to adapt to the Premier League.

The Man United board believes Amorim was often too honest when speaking to the media, describing last season’s team as “perhaps the worst in Manchester United’s history”.

His negative attitude towards United’s young players was also a cause for concern, given that United have produced talent of their own.

Another factor in Amorim’s decline was his reluctance to switch from his 3-4-2-1 formation.

Sources told The Pitch Prospect that he took the job despite the Portuguese promising he would adapt.

This culminated in a furious exchange between United’s director of football and Amorim following last week’s miserable 1-1 draw at home to bottom-placed Wolves.

Both Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada felt Amorim’s safety-first approach was not in keeping with United’s proud attacking traditions.

While Wilcox and Berrada waited until after Amorim’s explosive press conference following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds to swing the ax, it is believed the seeds had already been sown, as they also clashed with their manager over plans not to add significantly to the squad in this transfer window.