Alex Crook declares Ruben Amorim United’s worst post‑Ferguson boss
The atmosphere in Wroclaw’s stadium was tense as Alex Crook launched a blistering tirade, branding Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim the worst Manchester United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson, a claim made just days before Amorim’s AC Milan side faced his former club.
From Sporting Lisbon to Old Trafford
Amorim was bought out of his contract at Sporting Lisbon for a reported £9.2 million when United appointed him in November 2024, and the Portuguese was sacked as Red Devils head coach in January after a difficult 14‑month tenure at Old Trafford.
AFP reported that United’s payment reflected huge expectations, yet his spell quickly turned into a nightmare, with the club finishing a record‑low 16th place in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham.
Carrick’s revival and Crook’s tactical jab
After Amorim’s departure, Michael Carrick took over in January, guiding United to a third‑place finish, while the team had been seventh at the time of the sacking.
Crook criticised Amorim’s in‑game decisions, noting “It’s reassuring to see that he played a back three in that friendly [against Chelsea]. Leopards never change their spots. And actually, even his terminology was the same. He said after the game: ‘We knew we’d have to suffer’.”
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Milan woes and a six‑month warning
Now in charge of Italian giants AC Milan, Amorim has yet to win a pre‑season match, including a recent 3‑0 loss to Chelsea, prompting Crook to warn, “He will not last six months at Milan because he isn’t very good.”
He added further criticism of Amorim’s tactics, recalling a November Everton game where Amorim “brought on Mason Mount as a wing‑back because he doesn’t want to change the system.”
Co‑host Sam Matterface offered a different view, pointing out that United amassed 71 points last season, with Amorim contributing 30 of them, before dismissing the praise with “Well done. How many more could they have had?”
The debate sparked by Crook’s scathing attack underscores the lingering scrutiny of United’s managerial choices and raises questions about whether Amorim can reverse his fortunes at Milan under such relentless criticism.