By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
Manchester United have sacked head coach Ruben Amorim with immediate effect, ending his 14-month tenure at Old Trafford following a breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy.
The 40-year-old Portuguese was informed of the decision on Monday morning, less than 24 hours after his explosive post-match comments following a 1-1 draw away at Leeds United. Former United midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher has been appointed interim head coach, with his first match in charge coming against Burnley on Wednesday.In an official club statement, Manchester United said: “With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change.
This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.”The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”Amorim, who succeeded Erik ten Hag in November 2024 after arriving from Sporting CP, leaves with a record of 24 wins in 63 matches across all competitions, including just 15 Premier League victories this season.
United are currently sixth in the table after 20 games, three points off the Champions League places but having won only one of their last five league matches.
The sacking comes after growing tensions between Amorim and key figures in the club’s leadership, including director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada. Sources indicate disagreements over January transfer strategy, tactical flexibility, and Amorim’s role within the club’s structure played a significant part.
Amorim’s final press conference at Elland Road proved pivotal. When questioned about behind-the-scenes issues, he insisted: “I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United.” He also called on the scouting department and sporting director to “do their jobs,” while stating he would see out his contract—set to expire in 18 months—unless the board decided otherwise.”I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me,” Amorim added, in comments widely interpreted as a “back me or sack me” challenge.
The Portuguese had previously expressed frustration over a lack of January signings, with United missing out on primary target Antoine Semenyo, who is set to join Manchester City. Amorim’s insistence on his preferred 3-4-3 system, despite calls for greater adaptability, further strained relations.
Amorim’s time at United began with promise, including notable wins such as a Manchester derby victory and a Manager of the Month award in October 2025.
However, inconsistency persisted, with the team finishing 15th last season—the club’s lowest Premier League position on record—and struggling to build momentum this campaign.Fletcher, a five-time Premier League winner with United as a player, steps in on a temporary basis. The 41-year-old Scot has impressed in his role with the Under-18s this season and previously served as a first-team coach under Ten Hag.Attention now turns to a permanent successor, with the club likely to wait until the summer for a full appointment.
United’s leadership, under minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, will aim to stabilise the team as they push for European qualification.
Amorim departs wishing the club well, but his exit marks another turbulent chapter in Manchester United’s post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Kindly look for a suiting picture and publish
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