Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has opened up on the subtle but telling signs he noticed at Old Trafford before the club made the surprise decision to sack Ruben Amorim as manager.

Manchester United confirmed Amorim’s dismissal on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the Red Devils were held to a 1–1 draw away to rivals Leeds United. The announcement sent shockwaves through the football world, especially given Amorim’s fiery post-match press conference, where he appeared visibly frustrated and hinted at tensions with the club’s hierarchy.

Following the Leeds game, Amorim stated that he was hired as a manager and not merely a head coach, while also suggesting he was prepared to explore new opportunities once his contract expired in 2027. Ultimately, however, the club acted first, ending his tenure after just 14 months in charge.

Despite his reputation as a progressive coach, Amorim departs with the worst win percentage (38.71%) of any full-time Manchester United manager in the Premier League era, a statistic that likely weighed heavily on the board’s decision.

Former midfielder Darren Fletcher has now been placed in temporary charge and will oversee preparations for Wednesday’s clash against Burnley.

“Something Wasn’t Right” – Ferdinand’s Insight

Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Ferdinand revealed that he sensed something was amiss long before the official announcement.

“I watched his last two press conferences and I was thinking, ‘Something isn’t right here,’” Ferdinand said.
“One of his best qualities has always been how sharp, upbeat and cheerful he is with the media, but the last two he did seemed really sad.”

Ferdinand also recalled a recent visit to United’s training ground, where a brief conversation with Amorim left a lasting impression.

“He’s usually warm and open, but when I saw him that last time, he felt colder. There was a big change from what I’d seen before,” he explained.
“Looking back now, I think things were already starting to change before Christmas.”

While Ferdinand noted that the atmosphere among the players remained positive, he observed that Amorim appeared increasingly isolated from the group.

Opinion: A Familiar Manchester United Pattern

Ferdinand’s reflections highlight a recurring theme at Old Trafford—a growing disconnect between managers and the club’s leadership. Often, the warning signs appear quietly: strained press conferences, emotional withdrawal, and subtle shifts in body language.

Amorim’s case feels less like a sudden collapse and more like a slow-burning breakdown. When a manager begins to feel isolated, history suggests the end is rarely far away at Manchester United.

Whether this decision leads to stability or yet another reset remains to be seen. For now, Ferdinand’s insight serves as a reminder that in football, the body language often tells the story before the headlines do.