Jose Mourinho has insisted that only Ruben Amorim truly understands why his time at Manchester United came to an abrupt end, following the club’s decision to sack the Portuguese coach earlier this week.
United moved quickly to relieve Amorim of his duties on Monday, triggering another managerial search at Old Trafford and reigniting debate about the pressures that come with the job.
Speaking to Portuguese media, Mourinho was cautious when asked to analyse the decision. As a former United manager and compatriot of Amorim, he acknowledged the situation but made it clear that any real explanation must come from within Amorim’s own camp.
According to Mourinho, such moments demand private reflection rather than public debate, stressing that Amorim and his staff would be best placed to assess what went wrong and whether they choose to share that view openly.
The comments inevitably drew comparisons with Mourinho’s own spell at United, where he delivered Europa League success in 2017 and finished second in the Premier League. Despite those achievements, his tenure also ended prematurely, a reality he addressed with a measured tone.
Mourinho noted that he understands exactly why his time at the club ended, but reiterated his long-held belief in closing chapters quietly. For him, trophies, league positions, and records remain part of the club’s history, while the focus always shifts to the next opportunity.
The wider context adds weight to his remarks. Manchester United have endured years of instability since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson and former chief executive David Gill, with frequent managerial changes and shifting strategies at board level.
Mourinho has previously argued that he inherited a club still in transition and believes his success during that period has gained greater significance over time. He contrasted his own experience with the patience recently shown to Amorim during a difficult Premier League campaign, suggesting it reflects a shift in how the club now operates under new ownership.
That perspective also shaped his view on Portuguese coaches more broadly. Mourinho dismissed the idea that Amorim’s sacking would harm the reputation or prospects of managers from Portugal, stating that each coach’s career is judged on individual merit.
While Mourinho has since managed Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahce, and now Benfica, his reflections underline the unique scrutiny attached to the United job. Every decision, result, and downturn is amplified, often leaving little room for recovery.
Attention at Old Trafford has already turned to what comes next. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly being considered as an interim option until the end of the season, a familiar face during yet another transitional phase.
For Amorim, the immediate focus will be on reassessing his brief and turbulent spell in Manchester. For United, the challenge remains unchanged: finding stability, clarity, and a long-term direction in a role that continues to test even the most experienced managers.
