Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has called on the club to “stop experimenting” with managerial appointments and instead hire a head coach who truly fits the club’s DNA, following the sacking of Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge.
Amorim was dismissed on Monday after a turbulent spell at Old Trafford, during which performances and results failed to meet expectations. Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been placed in temporary charge while the club searches for a caretaker manager, with plans to appoint a permanent head coach in the summer.
Neville: United Must Return to Their Core Identity
Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville stressed that Manchester United must rediscover the principles that historically defined the club.
“The experiments have got to stop,” Neville said.
“I’ve always been very proud of what this club is – adventurous, exciting football, playing young players and entertaining the crowd.”
Neville emphasised that United should not reshape their identity to suit individual managers, but instead recruit a coach whose philosophy aligns with the club’s traditions.
“United have got to a point where they need a manager who fits the DNA of the football club,” he added.
“Barcelona will never change for anybody, and I don’t believe United should change for anybody either.”
According to Neville, the next manager must have the courage to play fast, attacking and aggressive football, while trusting young talent and embracing risk — values that have long been associated with the club.
Tactical Issues Undermined Amorim’s Tenure
Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford with a clear tactical identity, having enjoyed success with a 3-4-3 system at Sporting CP. However, Manchester United struggled badly to adapt to the system.
Neville admitted he was surprised by how ineffective United looked in the new setup.
“I thought they’d adapt better to the back three than they did,” he said.
“I’m really stunned that they’ve continued to play so poorly in that system.”
Former England striker Gary Lineker, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, suggested Amorim’s rigidity played a major role in his downfall.
“It didn’t seem to be the right fit,” Lineker said.
“The players didn’t suit the way he plays, and the club should have recognised that.”
United Still an Attractive Job, Says Carragher
Despite the turmoil, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United remains one of the most appealing managerial jobs in world football.
“It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world and always will be,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“Imagine being the guy who gets it right.”
Carragher argued that United’s size and global stature mean success is inevitable at some point, even if the club is currently struggling.
Neville agreed that waiting until the summer to appoint a permanent manager would be a sensible move, citing a limited pool of elite candidates mid-season.
Calls for Premier League Experience and Authority
Former United first-team coach René Meulensteen urged the club to appoint a manager with Premier League pedigree.
“They need somebody with pedigree,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Someone who understands the Premier League, who’s been successful here, and has a strong personality and vision.”
Ex-United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich echoed those concerns, describing the current situation as chaotic.
“It should be about the club and the team doing well,” Bosnich said.
“Right now, supporters are tearing their hair out. It’s a complete mess.”
Academy Concerns and Press Conference Fallout
Amorim’s tenure was also marked by controversial press conferences. In January 2025, he described his side as “maybe the worst” in the club’s 147-year history, a comment that drew widespread criticism.
His remarks about teenage players Chido Obi and Harry Amass further raised doubts about his commitment to United’s academy — a core part of the club’s identity.
Former defender Phil Jones highlighted the importance of youth development at Old Trafford.
“The academy is a massive part of the DNA of the club,” Jones said.
“I don’t think those comments helped him in any way.”
Carragher later remarked that Amorim’s media performances often overshadowed his team’s displays.
“At times, it felt like he was as good a pundit as Gary Neville,” Carragher said.
“But the problem was that he was the manager.”
Players Pay Tribute as United Look Ahead
Following Amorim’s departure, several Manchester United players posted tributes on social media. Club captain Bruno Fernandes thanked the Portuguese coach, while defender Harry Maguire also expressed his appreciation.
Despite the respect shown by players, Neville was clear that sentiment alone cannot override results.
“If the performances are that poor and the results are so poor, it doesn’t matter how honest or likeable you are,” Neville said.
“You’re going to get sacked at a club like United.”
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