Manchester, England – January 5, 2026
Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge, following a breakdown in relations with the club's leadership. The decision was announced on Monday morning, less than 24 hours after a 1-1 Premier League draw away at Leeds United, during which Amorim made pointed comments in his post-match press conference about his role and the need for structural changes at the club.
In an official statement, the club said: "Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United. 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."
Former United midfielder and current under-18s coach Darren Fletcher is expected to take interim charge, beginning with Wednesday's Premier League fixture away at Burnley.
Amorim's tenure began with high expectations after he was appointed in November 2024 as successor to Erik ten Hag. The Portuguese coach, who had achieved remarkable success at Sporting CP by winning the Primeira Liga, arrived with a reputation for implementing a disciplined 3-4-3 system. However, results at Old Trafford proved inconsistent. In the 2024-25 season, United finished a disappointing 15th in the Premier League – their lowest placing in the modern era – despite reaching the Europa League final, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.
This season has shown improvement, with United positioned sixth and within striking distance of Champions League qualification spots. However, a recent run of one win in five Premier League games, including draws against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds, heightened scrutiny. Amorim's side has struggled defensively, conceding in 15 consecutive away matches – a club record in the Premier League era.
The tipping point appeared to be Amorim's outspoken remarks following Sunday's draw at Elland Road. Brenden Aaronson's goal for Leeds was cancelled out by Matheus Cunha's equaliser, but Amorim used his press conference to express frustration. He insisted: "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United." He further hinted at tensions over transfer policy and tactical freedom, stating that the situation would continue "for 18 months or when the board decide to change," and urged recruitment staff to "do their job."
Reports indicate a growing rift between Amorim and key figures in the club's hierarchy, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. Disagreements centred on January transfer strategy – Amorim had expressed pessimism about reinforcements despite the window being open – as well as tactical preferences. Wilcox, with a background from Manchester City, is understood to favour a 4-3-3 formation, contrasting with Amorim's preferred back three.
Amorim's overall record at United stands at 25 wins from 63 games across all competitions, yielding a win percentage of around 32% – the lowest of any permanent manager in the Premier League era at the club. Notable lows included an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby Town and persistent defensive frailties, with the team using 25 different central defensive partnerships – more than any other side.
The sacking marks the latest chapter in United's managerial instability since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. Amorim becomes the seventh permanent boss to depart in that period, following David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick (interim), and Ten Hag. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who oversees football operations through INEOS, had previously stated in October 2025 that Amorim needed "over three years" to prove himself, but reservations reportedly grew amid poor results and internal discord.
Attention now turns to United's next steps. The club is expected to conduct a thorough search for a permanent replacement, potentially delaying an appointment until the summer. Names linked in speculation include high-profile figures, though no immediate favourites have emerged. In the interim, Fletcher – a club legend with over 300 appearances – will steady the ship.
Fans have reacted with a mix of shock and resignation on social media, with many highlighting the club's cyclical managerial changes as a barrier to progress. Analysts note that while Amorim's public criticisms may have hastened his exit, underlying issues such as squad imbalance and recruitment challenges persist.
United's next fixtures include the Burnley clash and a crucial run of matches that could define their season. With sixth place offering a pathway to European football, the leadership hopes the change will inject momentum. However, the decision underscores the high-pressure environment at Old Trafford, where even promising projects can unravel swiftly.
Amorim, aged 40, leaves with his reputation intact from his Sporting days but facing questions about adapting to the Premier League's demands. He has not commented publicly since the sacking but is expected to return to management soon, potentially in Europe.
This development comes amid broader scrutiny of United's structure under partial ownership by Ratcliffe and the Glazer family. As the January transfer window progresses, the club may yet make moves, though priorities appear shifted toward long-term planning.
