Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has issued a defiant public statement regarding his position at the club, firmly stating he has no intention of resigning. The Portuguese coach's comments came after a tense period marked by speculation about his future and his authority at Old Trafford.
A Manager, Not Just a Coach
Speaking after Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Sunday, January 5, 2026, a visibly frustrated Amorim drew a clear line in the sand. He emphasised the distinction between being a mere head coach and having full managerial control. "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United, and that is clear," Amorim stated emphatically.
The 40-year-old pointed out that while his name may not carry the same weight as some of his more celebrated predecessors, his role is definitive. "I know that my name is not (Thomas) Tuchel, it's not (Antonio) Conte, it's not (Jose) Mourinho, but I'm the manager of Manchester United," he declared. He indicated that this arrangement would continue for the duration of his agreed term or until the club's hierarchy decides otherwise.
'I Will Do My Job Until Someone Replaces Me'
Amorim was unequivocal about his commitment, directly addressing rumours of a potential departure. "I'm not going to quit," he asserted. "I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me." He reiterated that his understanding upon joining the club was to serve as the definitive manager for a specific period, which he clarified as 18 months.
When pressed further on the nature of his role and assurances from the board, the manager doubled down on his original stance. "I just want to say that I'm going to be the manager of this team, not just the coach. And I was really clear on that," Amorim explained. He stressed that every department, including scouting and the sports director, must function independently while he focuses on his managerial duties for the agreed timeframe.
Taking Aim at External Criticism and Internal Culture
In a pointed remark, Amorim also addressed the external noise and criticism surrounding the club, specifically mentioning commentary from former United defender and prominent pundit Gary Neville. He suggested that the club's culture needed introspection if it could not handle such analysis.
"If people cannot handle Gary Neville and the criticism of everything, we need to change the club," Amorim remarked. This comment highlighted his belief that the environment at Manchester United must be robust enough to withstand public scrutiny from its own legends.
The manager's defiant press conference followed a downbeat appearance last Friday, where he appeared irritated by questions about the club's transfer plans and the board's confidence in him. His latest statements represent a clear effort to reassert his authority and define the terms of his tenure at one of the world's most scrutinised football clubs.
