Manchester United sack Ruben Amorim
Manchester United have sacked head coach Ruben Amorim following a troubled 14-month spell in charge.
The Portuguese coach leaves Old Trafford with the club sixth in the Premier League, a season after United finished 15th and lost the Europa League final.
His final match was a 1-1 draw away at Leeds United on Sunday.
United confirmed the decision in a club statement, bringing an end to a tenure marked by mixed results and growing tensions behind the scenes.
Manchester United sack Ruben Amorim: Club confirms departure
In a statement, Manchester United said Amorim had departed his role with immediate effect.
“Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United,” the club said.
“Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
“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.”
Breakdown in relations
According to reports by The Athletic, the decision was taken by United’s senior leadership, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, following a breakdown in relationships behind the scenes.
While Amorim guided United to a European final, league form has remained inconsistent, with the club struggling to regain its status among England’s elite.
Post-match rant adds to pressure
Tensions appeared to peak after Sunday’s draw at Elland Road, when Amorim delivered a heated post-match rant that drew widespread attention.
He insisted he was the “manager” of Manchester United, not merely the “head coach”, and suggested his authority had been undermined.
“I came here to be the manager of Manchester United – not the head coach,” Amorim said.
“That’s going to finish in 18 months, and then everyone is going to move on. That’s the deal, that’s my job.”
He added that he would not resign and criticised what he described as constant scrutiny and criticism around the club.
“If people cannot handle the Gary Nevilles and the criticism of everything, we need to change the club,” he said.
Darren Fletcher to take interim charge
Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team on an interim basis.
Fletcher, who is currently the club’s Under-18s coach, is expected to lead the side in Wednesday night’s Premier League match away at Burnley.
A permanent appointment is not expected until the summer, as United’s hierarchy consider their next long-term move.
For now, the focus shifts back to results on the pitch, as United attempt to stabilise their season and push for the highest possible league finish following another period of upheaval at Old Trafford.
