Why Alonso and Amorim Were Sacked

January has barely started, and two of Europe’s biggest institutions have already done what teams do when the pressure spikes – suddently, the manager is gone.

That’s exactly what we’ve seen this week with Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid and Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. Alonso is gone after less than eight months,  Amorim is out after 14 chaotic, emotionally charged months.

Alonso Wasn’t Failing

On paper, Alonso’s numbers were fine. Twenty-four wins from 34 games. Second in La Liga, four points off Barcelona. Still alive in all competitions. In almost any other club, that buys you time.

The Supercopa defeat to Barcelona was the trigger, but it wasn’t the cause, just the final straw. The real issue was tension — with Florentino Pérez, with Mbappé, and reportedly with Vinícius Jr. Alonso arrived with a clear methodology, and positional discipline. Arguments over tactics, tension with star players – once that starts, it rarely ends well.

🚨 Xabi Alonso’s authority completely undermined by Kylian Mbappé last night. 👀

He wanted the team to form a guard of honour for Barcelona, Mbappé refused and the players listened to Mbappé. 🤯

He had no choice but to leave after that. 👋 pic.twitter.com/HXdHTLxAN7

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 12, 2026

Amorim’s System

If Alonso’s exit feels harsh, Amorim’s feels inevitable.

From the moment Ruben Amorim walked into Old Trafford, it looked uncomfortable. Critics said he had one system, one way of playing, and very little flexibility. United wanted progress and positivity — instead, they got frustration and negative press conferences.

When a manager starts openly criticising the club and players, it’s usually over.

Amorim’s biggest problem wasn’t tactics — it was emotion. The meeting with Jason Wilcox, the emotional reactions, and the comments after the Leeds game sealed it. United didn’t want another sacking — but they felt they had no choice.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

You can argue about style all you want, but the stats are brutal:

• Worst points-per-game of any United manager in the Premier League era

• Fewer wins than losses in the league

• No consistent run of form

• A team that played scared against weaker opponents

United weren’t just inconsistent — they were unpredictable.

🚨💣 BREAKING: Rúben Amorim has just been SACKED by Manchester United.

Decision made this morning. pic.twitter.com/Xmz3x8mkO6

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2026