Manchester United’s Pursuit of Unwanted Player Sparks Board-Coach Rift ConcernsManchester United’s transfer activity has raised fresh concerns over a potential rift between new head coach Rúben Amorim and the club’s leadership, following reports that the board is pushing to sign a player Amorim does not want.
According to multiple sources, United’s top brass — including CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox — are actively pursuing Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze in a deal that could be worth £60–70 million.
However, Amorim has reportedly expressed clear reservations about Eze’s suitability for his tactical setup.—Tensions Over Transfer DirectionEze enjoyed a standout 2024/25 Premier League season, contributing 11 goals and 6 assists across 31 appearances.
His creativity, 92 successful dribbles, and 67 key passes underscore his flair and attacking instincts, which the board sees as a marquee addition following United’s underwhelming 15th-place finish and Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
However, Amorim is said to prefer a more tactically disciplined playmaker — such as Pedro Gonçalves from Sporting CP — to operate within his structured 3-4-2-1 system.
Sources suggest that Amorim views Eze as a stylistic mismatch, citing the player’s free-roaming nature and lower defensive work rate.—Concerns Over Club AlignmentThis disagreement is the latest indication of possible misalignment between United’s board and Amorim. Earlier in 2025, the Portuguese coach was reportedly so frustrated by internal issues that he considered resigning shortly after his appointment.
Though those tensions were publicly resolved, the current situation has reignited fears about decision-making clarity and managerial authority at Old Trafford.Fans have voiced their concerns online, with one supporter writing, “Amorim needs players who fit his system, not board vanity signings.”
Another warned, “Forcing Eze on him could cost us Ruben.”The issue is particularly pressing given United’s recent overhaul under INEOS ownership. Big-money moves for Viktor Gyökeres (£110m) and Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) have signaled ambition, but also heightened scrutiny on how signings align with Amorim’s tactical vision.
-Financial Pressure and Strategic TensionWhile sales such as Alejandro Garnacho to Napoli (£50m) and Marcus Rashford’s loan to Aston Villa have created financial room, United are still contending with a £10 million commercial penalty from Adidas for missing out on Champions League football.
With transfer funds at a premium and expectations high, Amorim has been clear that additions must solve specific tactical needs, not serve as headline-driven statements.
The board’s pursuit of Eze, perceived by some as a branding decision, could risk undermining the very structure they’ve tasked Amorim with rebuilding.
ConclusionThe pursuit of Eberechi Eze—against the manager’s wishes—has become a flashpoint for deeper questions about Manchester United’s internal coherence and footballing philosophy.
If not resolved, the issue could not only impact squad harmony but also threaten to derail what is supposed to be a fresh and unified era at Old Trafford.
