Manchester United have dismissed Ruben Amorim as head coach, bringing an abrupt end to the Portuguese manager’s 14-month spell at Old Trafford, with Darren Fletcher set to step in on an interim basis as the club searches for stability.
The decision was confirmed by the club less than 24 hours after Amorim’s public comments following a 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United, remarks that intensified speculation about his future and highlighted growing tensions behind the scenes at the club.
During his post-match media duties, Amorim openly questioned his working relationship with senior executives and once again stressed his desire to operate as a full manager rather than “just the coach,” comments that reportedly did not sit well with United’s hierarchy.
“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,” United said in an official statement released on Monday morning.
“This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish as we approach a decisive stage of the season.”
The club added: “The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”
Tensions and lack of progress
Amorim’s departure follows several days of intense scrutiny, with pressure mounting after a series of inconsistent performances and a growing sense of frustration among supporters and club officials alike.
On Friday, the former Sporting Lisbon boss hinted at strained relationships within the club, suggesting that he did not receive sufficient backing in the transfer market to fully implement his footballing philosophy.
After Sunday’s draw at Elland Road, he went even further, repeatedly referencing the remaining 18 months on his contract and underlining his belief that his role at United had been undermined.
Sources close to the club indicated that United’s leadership were unconvinced by the team’s overall development this season, believing there was insufficient evidence of sustained progress despite the club remaining in contention for European qualification.
Appointed in November 2024 as the successor to Erik ten Hag, Amorim oversaw 63 matches in charge, recording 25 wins across all competitions during his time at the helm.
His tenure now stands as the shortest by a permanent Manchester United manager since David Moyes was dismissed just eight months into his reign in 2014. Amorim’s entire backroom staff have also departed the club following his exit.
Fletcher to take interim charge
Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been handed temporary responsibility for the first team and will be in the dugout for Wednesday’s Premier League trip to Burnley.
Fletcher, 41, currently serves as head coach of the club’s under-18 side and previously worked as United’s technical director between 2021 and 2024, making this his first taste of senior managerial duties.
A familiar figure at Old Trafford, the former Scotland international spent 13 years as a Manchester United player, winning five Premier League titles, two League Cups, and the 2007/08 Champions League.
Fletcher is expected to address the media on Tuesday ahead of the Burnley fixture, as Manchester United begin preparations for the next chapter following Amorim’s sudden departure.
Meanwhile, the club is understood to be assessing both short-term and long-term managerial options as it looks to steady the ship and restore consistency during a crucial phase of the campaign.