Understand there is growing tension between Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and director of football Jason Wilcox, with disagreements emerging over Amorim’s tactical approach and the club’s lack of planned January transfer activity.
Sources close to Manchester United say Wilcox would like Amorim to be more tactically adaptable, amid concern inside the club that the Portuguese coach has stuck too rigidly to his preferred system despite mixed results. Amorim, who has publicly stressed that he is “here to be manager, not coach,” has pushed for greater authority over football decisions and is keen to see his ideas better reflected in recruitment and long-term planning.
The Manchester United boss is also disappointed at the lack of planned activity in the January window, having been told last year that incomings were possible before being informed in recent days that signings are now highly unlikely. With injuries and international call-ups stretching his squad, Amorim has admitted there are “no conversations” about strengthening this month, fuelling his frustration and adding to the sense of strain in his relationship with Wilcox.
Club figures insist there is alignment on the broader project, but privately accept that pressure is rising on both men as results fluctuate and supporters question the lack of January movement. For now, it remains to be seen whether any senior arrivals will be sanctioned before the window closes, or whether the stand-off over tactics and transfers will deepen the Old Trafford power struggle in the weeks ahead.
