Gary Neville has called on Manchester United to end what he described as constant tactical trials and instead appoint a head coach who matches the club’s long-standing identity, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim on Monday.
Gary Neville has called on Manchester United to end what he described as constant tactical trials and instead appoint a head coach who matches the club’s long-standing identity, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim on Monday.
With former midfielder Darren Fletcher stepping in on an interim basis, the club has indicated it will wait until the summer before choosing a permanent replacement. Neville believes this pause should be used wisely to reassess what the club stands for.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville stressed that United’s heritage is rooted in bold, attacking football, trust in young talent, and a commitment to entertaining supporters. In his view, these values should guide any future appointment.
He added that certain institutions, such as Barcelona, do not reshape themselves around individuals, and United should take the same approach. Experience, courage, and a willingness to play aggressive football were highlighted as essential qualities.
Amorim arrived from Sporting with a defined tactical blueprint, most notably his preference for a 3-4-3 formation, which had previously delivered success. However, the transition at Old Trafford proved difficult.
Neville admitted he expected the squad to adjust more smoothly to a back-three setup but was surprised by how ineffective the team remained within that structure.
On The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker suggested that Amorim’s insistence on his philosophy may have accelerated his downfall. According to Lineker, the squad was ill-suited to the approach, and the club should have anticipated the mismatch earlier.
The former England striker argued that rigidity from both the manager and the recruitment process contributed to the breakdown.
Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, acknowledged the turmoil at United but insisted the role remains highly appealing. He argued that the scale of the club means it will eventually find the right leader.
Neville, however, backed the decision to delay a permanent hire, suggesting the current market lacks a wide range of elite options. He referenced Chelsea’s recent appointment of Liam Rosenior as an example of clubs moving away from traditional expectations.
Former United coach Rene Meulensteen told BBC Radio 5 Live that the next manager must possess proven Premier League success, authority, and a clear long-term vision. Mark Bosnich echoed those concerns, describing the current situation as chaotic and deeply frustrating for supporters.
Amorim became known for forthright media appearances during his short spell, including a January remark where he labelled his side among the poorest in the club’s long history.
Rio Ferdinand noted that Amorim’s direct and upbeat style in front of microphones was one of his more popular traits. However, comments regarding young players Chido Obi and Harry Amass drew criticism, particularly given the club’s emphasis on youth development.
Phil Jones felt those remarks undermined the importance of the academy, a cornerstone of United’s identity. Carragher later remarked that Amorim’s strongest performances came in interviews rather than on the pitch.
Despite the criticism, Neville defended Amorim’s sincerity, saying his honesty was never in doubt. Still, he acknowledged that poor results ultimately outweigh personality at a club of United’s stature.
Following the announcement, captain Bruno Fernandes thanked Amorim publicly, while Harry Maguire also shared his appreciation, wishing the former coach success in the future.
