Manchester United’s decision to sack Ruben Amorim will have far-reaching consequences across the club. While his departure may prove to be one of the most expensive gambles in Premier League history, it also reshapes the futures of several players — and raises fresh questions about those running the club.

For some supporters, Amorim’s exit was long overdue. For others, it felt premature, coming just as signs of progress were beginning to emerge. United insist the decision was made purely on footballing grounds and unrelated to Amorim’s post-match comments following the 1-1 draw with Leeds, in which he alluded to internal issues. Still, with the club sitting sixth and just three points off the top four, that explanation has been met with scepticism.

So who benefits from Amorim’s departure — and who does not?

Winners

Kobbie Mainoo

Amorim’s handling of Kobbie Mainoo puzzled many fans. The midfielder had been central to United’s plans before Amorim’s arrival and even played a key role in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.

Despite that, Mainoo struggled for opportunities under the Portuguese coach. Frustrated by his lack of involvement, he pushed for a loan move in the summer, which the club blocked. Amorim promised chances, but they never materialised. Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League match this season, clocking up just 212 minutes across 11 appearances, and speculation around a January exit intensified.

That situation now looks set to change. With Amorim gone, Mainoo may finally get the platform many believe he deserves.

Joshua Zirkzee

Zirkzee also endured a frustrating campaign, though recent weeks hinted at a turnaround. With Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo injured, he was given more minutes and emerged as one of United’s brighter attacking threats.

A January exit — with Roma among the interested parties — once appeared inevitable. Now, his United future could be revived. Zirkzee has contributed two goals and an assist in limited Premier League minutes, while his £74 million replacement Benjamin Sesko has struggled to adapt. A new coach may see value in giving Zirkzee a proper second chance.

Manchester United

After a turbulent 14 months under Amorim, the club itself may ultimately be the biggest winner. From embarrassing defeats to a constant narrative about “suffering” being part of the process, his tenure never truly aligned with United’s identity.

Amorim will almost certainly land another elite job and succeed — but the timing and fit at United were always questionable. Taking over mid-season rather than in the summer limited his chances. Now, United have an opportunity to reset once again, though INEOS must ensure they get the next appointment right.

Losers

Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw’s career at United has long been defined by “what ifs”. Persistent injuries robbed him of consistency, but under Amorim, those issues appeared to fade. Shaw started every Premier League game this season, completing 90 minutes in 11 of them — his most sustained run in years.

That was largely due to Amorim’s back-three system, which deployed Shaw as a left-sided centre-back, reducing physical strain while leaning on his intelligence and positioning. With that system likely to be abandoned under an interim manager, Shaw’s role — and durability — could once again be under threat.

Patrick Dorgu

Signed specifically to operate as a left wing-back, Patrick Dorgu now finds himself in limbo. He is not suited to a traditional full-back role and lacks the attacking output to thrive further forward in a squad already stacked with wide options.

Dorgu was a specialist signing for a specialist system — a system that reportedly contributed to Amorim’s downfall. With a back three unlikely to survive the managerial change, his minutes could disappear altogether.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS

Ultimately, this episode reflects poorly on United’s hierarchy. Since INEOS arrived, the club delayed sacking Erik ten Hag despite exploring alternatives, backed him heavily in the transfer market, then dismissed him anyway.

Dan Ashworth was appointed sporting director, only to be sacked months later after disagreements over managerial succession. Amorim was then appointed mid-season — despite preferring a summer arrival — backed through major squad upheaval and system-specific recruitment, and finally dismissed after publicly voicing frustrations.

Compounding matters, cost-cutting measures have seen non-playing staff lose their jobs in an attempt to balance the books. The optics are grim. The lack of cohesion, long-term planning and accountability has left United’s leadership looking disjointed and reactive at best.

In the end, Ruben Amorim may not be the only casualty of a decision that raises more questions than it answers.