Amorim walking a tightrope with INEOS as tensions with key figure start to boil over – report

The reason for Ruben Amorim’s recent public outbursts have been revealed, with a new report claiming that tensions between the Manchester United boss and club executive Jason Wilcox are rising. Amorim’s feistiness Amorim has projected an unusually irritable mood in recent weeks – a tendency he has made little effort to conceal in his interactions with the press. He was especially prickly before and after United’s 1-1 draw with Leeds at United at Elland Road. In his pre-match press conference, he had a heated exchange with a reporter who questioned why he appears to now be more willing to change his tactical approach, having previously made it clear that he wouldn’t compromise. There have been unconfirmed whispers that United, through director of football Wilcox, have leaned into Amorim to ditch his controversial 3-4-2-1 system and switch to a more traditional back-four. A report covered by The Peoples Person detailed how head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, openly questioned Amorim’s methods to the more senior members of the football leadership group. It’s believed that Vivell was left astounded by the ease with which a rival Premier League manager and his player broke down Amorim’s tactics in the media. Before the Leeds game, Amorim was directly asked whether he has been instructed to adopt a more flexible style of play. He simply answered, “I do not want to talk about that.” Pressed on whether Wilcox had spoken to him or whether United’s January transfer plans have changed, he again responded to the journalist, “I do not want to talk about that…but you are very smart.” “I don’t want to talk about that, but you are very smart.” Ruben Amorim want to focus on Leeds rather than talking about transfers Hear more on @BBCSounds 🎧 https://t.co/PwHKr7KMbC#MUFC #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/5O1wMoAbGz — BBC Sport Manchester (@BBCRMsport) January 3, 2026 After the draw at Elland Road, Amorim dished out more explosive comments, noting that he joined United to be the manager rather than head coach. Amorim also cast doubts over his long-term future, adding, “It’s going to be like this for 18 months, or when the board decides to change. So that was my point, I want to finish with that. I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until the other guy is coming here to replace me.” He repeated several times that everyone would move on when his contract expires and hinted that he had been promised more decision-making power at Old Trafford. Now, talkSPORT have revealed that Amorim is unhappy with what he perceives as broken promises by the club – a situation that is causing friction between him and Wilcox. State of affairs talkSPORT say, “Ruben Amorim has been left disappointed by Manchester United’s broken promises, talkSPORT understands.” “It is believed that there is growing tension between Amorim and United’s Director of Football Jason Wilcox. This is due to Amorim being told in early November that United would be prepared to move forward some summer business in the winter transfer window.” “Amorim was then informed over Christmas that new arrivals this month would be unlikely, leading him to be disappointed by United going back on their word.” The report adds that United will not be forced into sanctioning panic buys or short-term fixes. It is definitely a storyline to follow closely in the coming days. Featured image Molly Darlington via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!