Vinicius Jr
January 2026
Vinicius and Simeone exchanged words on the touchline when the Real forward was substituted during Madrid’s Super Cup semi-final win over Atletico in Saudi Arabia. TV audio captured Simeone taunting Vinicius about Florentino Perez. Simeone later downplayed it, saying what happens on the pitch stays there while stressing respect for Madrid players.
Ruben Amorim
January 2026
Ruben Amorim is being linked with a fast move into another high-level job after United dismissed him, with reports suggesting a prominent replacement role is already being lined up. His exit followed a public rant after the Leeds draw, where he demanded authority as “manager” and criticised internal departments. United acted within 24 hours, ending his 14-month spell despite sixth place.
Liam Rosenior
January 2026
Ben Chilwell publicly wished Liam Rosenior well after Rosenior was named Chelsea head coach, calling Chelsea an “amazing club” as the coach leaves Strasbourg. Chilwell posted a message on Instagram alongside a photo with Rosenior. He also reiterated earlier praise, saying Rosenior impressed him instantly and was destined for the top, after working together at Strasbourg.
Ruben Amorim
January 2026
A report claims Amorim believed early on United would not win soon, allegedly based on small signals like players tying laces and warm-up habits, and privately described the club as “broken” and players as fragile. The same report links his deteriorating relationship with the hierarchy to public criticism after the Leeds draw, plus frustrations over physicality, duels, and comments about squad quality and certain signings, which reportedly damaged trust.
Carlos Fernandes
January 2026
Amorim’s assistant Carlos Fernandes thanked United players, staff and fans in a public goodbye, stressing pride in serving the club and hinting the job tests character as much as football knowledge. Fernandes posted on Instagram, focusing on gratitude to Carrington departments and the squad rather than the fallout. Reports also claim Amorim left Carrington upbeat, joking with staff, and appeared relaxed in public later that day.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
January 2026
A report says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a leading contender to return as Manchester United caretaker manager after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. United are assessing caretaker options, with Solskjaer’s local base and past interim-to-permanent pathway cited as factors, alongside van Nistelrooy as another candidate.
Jose Mourinho
January 2026
Jose Mourinho said only Ruben Amorim and his staff can truly analyse why he was dismissed by Manchester United and decide whether to make those reasons public. Mourinho avoided specific judgement, stressing internal review and saying Amorim’s sacking should not negatively affect perceptions of Portuguese coaches generally.
Darren Fletcher
January 2026
Interim boss Darren Fletcher said United players must learn to handle public criticism from ex-players and pundits instead of reacting to it. Fletcher framed scrutiny as part of playing for United, said players need coping strategies and support, and referenced how previous eras had senior leaders shielding younger players, something harder to replicate now.
Erik ten Hag
January 2026
FC Twente appointed Erik ten Hag to rejoin the club’s football organisation from February, with a planned handover to replace retiring technical director Jan Streuer for the 2026-27 season. Twente confirmed Ten Hag will work toward next season immediately, leaning on his background in youth development, squad building, and elite-culture structure, with the club aiming to further professionalise its football operations.
