Manchester United have sacked Ruben Amorim as head coach. The 40-year-old Portuguese goes with immediate effect after 14 months following breakdown in relations. Darren Fletcher is expected to take over on interim basis.
Amorim’s final match in charge was Sunday’s 1–1 Premier League draw away to Leeds United, a result that left United sixth in the table after 20 matches. Former midfielder Darren Fletcher, currently head coach of the club’s Under-18s, is expected to take over on an interim basis, beginning with Wednesday night’s away fixture against Burnley.
The decision was taken by United’s leadership group, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, after tensions behind the scenes escalated in recent weeks. Amorim publicly hinted at internal disagreements following the Leeds match, insisting he was the club’s “manager” rather than merely a “coach” and suggesting uncertainty over his authority.
United have now dismissed six permanent managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, spending more than £50 million on managerial exits during that period in addition to multiple interim managers.
Amorim’s Short-lived United Tenure
Amorim joined United from Sporting CP in November 2024 in a deal worth €11 million, signing a contract that runs until 2027 with an option for an additional year. There is no break clause in the agreement, meaning United are expected to pay out the remainder of his contract in full.
During his tenure, Amorim was frequently criticised for his tactical rigidity, particularly his commitment to a 3-4-3 system. Under Amorim, the club suffered its worst-ever Premier League finish last season, ending 15th, exited domestic cup competitions early, and failed to qualify for European football for the first time in over a decade.
Amorim’s departure raises fresh questions about the direction of the club under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, who had publicly backed the coach as recently as three months ago.