Premier League Rival Boss Blasts Man Utd's Shocking Ruben Amorim Dismissal
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has criticized Manchester United's choice to dismiss Ruben Amorim, highlighting that the three most stable Premier League teams attribute their success to maintaining continuity - a philosophy that has been abandoned at Old Trafford.
Frank was considered by United for the managerial role during summer 2024 while Erik ten Hag remained in position. The former Brentford manager ultimately remained in west London as Amorim quickly took over from the Dutch coach in November 2024.
Following 14 months, 23 losses and numerous instances of stark candor, Amorim was dismissed from his role on Monday. Frank, who has encountered speculation about his own future leading Spurs after merely six months, called for tolerance from Premier League decision-makers.
"I believe it's simply another illustration from my perspective that achieving lasting success becomes extremely challenging when you constantly change crucial personnel at clubs, such as the head coach or sporting directors," Frank addressed reporters on the day Amorim departed. "I believe when you think you have the correct people and you're in agreement, you must commit for an extended period.
"So currently it's two clubs within eighteen months. Again, I'm not making judgments, I'm simply stating the actual facts in that regard, there might be various reasons for it, I simply don't know.
In this incredible, wonderful football environment, you triumph one day and perform excellently, you're euphoric, you lose and don't perform well, you're devastated.
"The most successful clubs maintain alignment between ownership, leadership and head coach over time, and you block out the distractions, focusing on the underlying progress. There are ups and downs, and ideally over time, increasingly more ups, then you accomplish something significant together. The three most prominent recent examples of this are obviously Liverpool, [Manchester] City and Arsenal."
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had specifically referenced Arsenal's Mikel Arteta as a model of persistence for the Red Devils to emulate. The Spanish manager finished eighth twice with the Gunners before guiding their evolution into consistent title contenders. Nevertheless, Amorim was eventually removed after he publicly challenged the club's leadership, particularly requesting greater authority regarding player acquisitions.
Pep Guardiola Sends Message to Ruben Amorim
Frank wasn't the sole Premier League manager questioned about Amorim's dismissal. Manchester City's Pep Guardiola avoided making sweeping statements on the matter but extended his support to Amorim.
"I cannot comment out of respect for the players and the organizations of Chelsea and Manchester United," Guardiola stated on Tuesday, alluding to Enzo Maresca's recent departure in west London. "All I can express is that Ruben is an excellent manager. The choice has been made by our neighbors but I wish Ruben success in his future endeavors."
Guardiola has previously articulated a thoughtful explanation for the clear contrasts between City and their rivals. In October 2023, just before Ratcliffe obtained his minority ownership in United, the Spanish coach explained: "We move in the same direction, chairman, CEO, sport director, manager and the players. Right or wrong, we proceed together." Amorim evidently moved in an opposing direction.
West Ham United's Nuno Espírito Santo provided the most sincere reaction to Amorim's departure. "Like everyone, I was shocked and saddened," he solemnly commented on Monday. "He is Portuguese [like myself]. He is a young manager, but this is reality—I believe we understand that this is how the business operates."
As Frank emphasized, not every club in this business operates in exactly the same manner.