Amorim Sacked As Manchester United Make Shock Managerial Change
3 min read
By Sedara Philip
Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge, bringing an abrupt end to a turbulent spell at Old Trafford.
The Premier League club confirmed the decision less than 24 hours after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds, announcing that Amorim had “departed his role as head coach of Manchester United.” United said the move was made in the best interest of the club as they seek to finish the season strongly.
Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher will take charge of Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Burnley as an interim solution.
The Scot is expected to remain in temporary charge until a caretaker manager is formally appointed, while the club plans to identify a permanent successor in the summer.
Tensions behind the scenes are understood to have played a significant role in Amorim’s dismissal.
On Friday, the 40-year-old Portuguese coach reportedly held a heated meeting with United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, during which he reacted negatively to criticism of his tactics and formation following a 1-1 draw with Wolves.
In a subsequent news conference, Amorim hinted at a strained relationship with senior club officials, suggesting he did not feel fully backed—particularly in the transfer market.
His frustration became more public after Sunday’s draw with Leeds, when he stated he wanted to work as a manager “not the coach” and indicated he was prepared to leave once his contract expired in 18 months’ time.
United acted swiftly.
In a club statement, the hierarchy explained their reasoning:
“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 achieving the highest possible Premier League finish.
The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution and wishes him well for the future.”
Amorim’s entire coaching staff have also left the club.
The decision comes just months after United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe publicly called for patience. Speaking on The Business podcast in October, Ratcliffe said Amorim would be given three years to prove himself, stressing the need for long-term stability.
However, sources close to the club have told BBC Sport that United’s leadership no longer believed there was sufficient evidence of progress or tactical evolution this season.
Amorim was appointed in November 2024 after United triggered an €11 million (£9.25m) release clause in his contract with Sporting CP.
During his time at Old Trafford, he won 25 of his 63 matches, with his 14-month reign now standing as the shortest permanent managerial tenure at the club since David Moyes was dismissed after just eight months in 2014.
Fletcher, who steps into the spotlight temporarily, is currently United’s Under-18s head coach and previously served as the club’s technical director from 2021 to 2024.
Although he has never held a senior managerial role, the 41-year-old brings deep familiarity with the club, having played for United between 2002 and 2015. During his playing career, he won five Premier League titles and the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League.
Fletcher is expected to face the media on Tuesday ahead of United’s trip to Turf Moor, as the club begins yet another chapter in its ongoing search for stability.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
