'We all saw it coming' — Ighalo reacts to Man Utd decision to sack Amorim

Ruben Amorim was officially sacked by Manchester United on December 5, following a turbulent 14-month tenure.

Despite reaching the UEFA Europa League final in 2025, the Portuguese manager’s position became untenable after a dismal run of just one win in his final five league matches.

Sitting sixth in the Premier League and reeling from a breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy, the board ultimately decided to move on, appointing Darren Fletcher as interim manager.

Ighalo, who remains a fan favorite after his 2020 loan spell at the club, suggested the team's decline was evident long before the official announcement.

"I saw that coming. I knew they were going to change the coach, but I didn't know it was gonna be so early like this," Ighalo told SuperSport.

"Yeah, we all saw that coming because the team has not been doing well. They are not consistent. They have been going up and down. Some games, they are supposed to win, but they draw. Some games are supposed to draw; they lose."

The former Watford striker criticised recent performances, specifically a flat 1–1 draw against Wolves and a passive display against Newcastle.

"The last game at home against Wolves, if you watch the game, [they] didn't play at all. They're not playing like a team," Ighalo added.

"I watched their game against Newcastle. They are playing at home, but they are playing like they are playing away. They sit back, and Newcastle play with 80% possession."

With United's leadership seeking a permanent successor, Ighalo’s comments reflect a wider sentiment that Amorim’s "jovial" start had long since faded into a "cold" and ineffective tactical struggle.