Manchester United have officially sacked head coach Ruben Amorim, bringing an end to the Portuguese manager’s 14-month tenure at Old Trafford. His final match in charge was a 1–1 draw against Leeds United on Sunday, a result that left United sixth in the Premier League after 20 matches.
The decision was taken by the club’s senior leadership team, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, following a breakdown in working relationships behind the scenes.
Sources indicate that internal tensions, combined with underwhelming performances, played a key role in the club’s decision to act.
Former Manchester United midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher is expected to take over as interim manager. His first match in charge would be Wednesday night’s away fixture against Burnley. A permanent appointment is likely to be delayed until the summer as the club conducts a thorough recruitment process.
As per the terms of the contract Amorim signed when leaving Sporting CP in November 2024, there is no exit clause allowing for a reduced settlement. United will therefore be required to pay out the remainder of his deal, which was due to run until 2027 with an option for an additional year.
Speaking after the draw at Elland Road, Amorim hinted at growing friction within the club. He made it clear that he viewed himself as the “manager” rather than merely a “coach,” suggesting differences in authority and football direction.
“I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me,” Amorim said at the time, comments that now appear telling.
Throughout his spell, Amorim faced criticism for tactical inflexibility, particularly his commitment to a 3-4-3 system. While United experimented with alternative formations in training, the team often reverted to the same structure in matches. Despite a notable 1-0 win over Newcastle using a 4-2-3-1, inconsistency remained a defining issue.
United paid €11 million to secure Amorim from Sporting, where he enjoyed significant success, winning two Primeira Liga titles and two Portuguese League Cups. He replaced Erik ten Hag, but struggled to halt the club’s decline.
Last season saw United finish 15th, their worst Premier League finish ever, while exiting the FA Cup and Carabao Cup early. They also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, sealing a trophyless campaign and missing out on European football for the first time since 2014.
Despite spending over £200 million on new signings during the 2025 summer transfer window, United endured their worst league start since 1992–93. With patience exhausted, the club has now opted for change once again, continuing a turbulent post-Sir Alex Ferguson era marked by instability and unmet expectations.
