Manchester United have sacked their Portuguese head coach, Ruben Amorim, just 14 months after his appointment at Old Trafford.
The club confirmed the decision in a statement issued on Monday, saying the move was taken to improve their chances of finishing strongly in the Premier League.
“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 statement read.
Amorim’s dismissal followed what sources described as a complete breakdown in internal relations, with tensions behind the scenes reaching a point of no return. The decision was reportedly agreed by the club’s top hierarchy, led by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
Sports journalist David Ornstein reported that mounting disagreements within the club’s leadership structure played a major role in ending Amorim’s time at United.
Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, who currently works as the club’s Under-18s coach, has been named interim manager. He is expected to take charge of the team for Wednesday’s away match against Burnley, while the club plans to appoint a permanent manager in the summer.
Amorim’s final game was Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road. The result left United sixth in the Premier League, level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea and three points behind Liverpool in fourth.
Before and after the Leeds match, Amorim had clashed publicly with the media and appeared visibly frustrated. In his pre-match press conference, he refused to answer questions about transfers and his tactical approach.
After the game, the former Sporting CP coach raised eyebrows when he openly questioned his role at the club.
“I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not just the coach,” Amorim said. “I will do my job until another guy comes here to replace me.”
He also hinted that his stay at Old Trafford could end once his contract expires, adding fuel to speculation about his future.
Reports in recent weeks suggested growing strain between Amorim and Jason Wilcox, particularly over transfers. Amorim was said to be unhappy about promises he believed were not fulfilled, a situation believed to have influenced the club’s final decision.
Despite heavy spending estimated at around £250m during his tenure, United’s hierarchy reportedly felt there had been little progress on the pitch. Amorim leaves with the club still battling for European qualification.
In announcing his departure, the club added, “The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”
Manchester United now turn their attention to stabilising their season under Fletcher as they push for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
