Manchester United have dismissed head coach Ruben Amorim following a breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy and a stall in on-pitch progress, ending the Portuguese manager’s tenure after just 14 months.
Former midfielder Darren Fletcher will take charge of the first team for Wednesday’s Premier League fixture against Burnley. The club confirmed plans to appoint an interim manager for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, with a permanent successor to be named in the summer.
Breakdown in Relations
The decision to part ways with the 40-year-old comes less than 24 hours after a 1-1 draw against rivals Leeds United on Sunday. Following that match, Amorim made comments widely interpreted as a public criticism of the club’s structure.
Speaking to the media post-match, Amorim expressed frustration with his designation, stating a desire to operate as a “manager, not the coach,” and indicated he was prepared to leave when his contract expired in 18 months. This followed comments made on Friday, where he hinted at a lack of backing in the transfer market and a strained relationship with the club’s executive leadership.
Club Statement
Manchester United released a statement on Monday confirming Amorim’s immediate departure, along with his coaching staff.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
A Short-Lived Era
Amorim was appointed in November 2024 after United triggered an €11 million (£9.25m) release clause to bring him over from Sporting CP. Despite arriving with a high reputation for tactical innovation, his reign has become the shortest of any permanent Manchester United manager since David Moyes was sacked eight months into his tenure in 2014.
During his 63 games in charge, Amorim secured only 25 victories. While co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had publicly stated in October that Amorim would be given three years to “demonstrate he is a great coach,” sources close to the club indicate that the hierarchy felt there was insufficient evidence of tactical evolution or squad development during the current campaign.
Interim Measures
Darren Fletcher, currently the club’s under-18s head coach, steps into the breach immediately. The 41-year-old Scot, who won five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League as a player at Old Trafford, served as the club’s technical director between 2021 and 2024.
Fletcher is expected to conduct the pre-match press conference on Tuesday ahead of the trip to Turf Moor.
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