Manchester United formally announced the dismissal of Ruben Amorim on Monday morning, terminating the Portuguese manager’s tenure just 14 months after he first arrived at Old Trafford. The club released an official statement confirming that the leadership team had “reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change” following a breakdown in the relationship between the head coach and the board.
United officials believe this transition serves the squad’s best interests as they attempt to salvage their domestic campaign and climb the table.
“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,” the Manchester United statement read.
The decision follows a volatile 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Sunday, which left the Red Devils languishing in sixth place—17 points behind league leaders Arsenal. The post-match press conference at Elland Road proved to be the final straw for the United hierarchy after Amorim delivered a fiery ultimatum regarding his authority. The 40-year-old coach appeared visibly frustrated and directly challenged the club’s sporting structure, specifically targeting Director of Football Jason Wilcox and the recruitment staff.
“To do their job,” Amorim told the scouting department and Wilcox during his final media appearance, while emphatically stressing that he viewed himself as United’s manager rather than a mere head coach.
Tensions had visibly simmered throughout the week leading up to the Leeds fixture. Amorim had previously remained evasive when journalists questioned him about the club’s upcoming transfer strategy, often appearing downbeat and defensive. Although he claimed on Sunday that he still felt the board supported him, his insistence on total managerial control reportedly clashed with the collaborative model established by the new ownership.
In the wake of his departure, Manchester United has placed Under-18s coach and former club captain Darren Fletcher in interim charge of the first team. Fletcher faces an immediate challenge as he prepares the squad for a midweek trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley this Wednesday. The club’s leadership now begins an urgent search for a permanent successor to navigate a difficult January schedule that includes high-profile clashes against Manchester City and Arsenal.
