MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United announced on Monday that they have sacked head coach Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge, a decision that came less than 24 hours after the Portuguese manager's fiery post-match news conference following a 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
The club confirmed the move in a statement released early Monday morning, citing the team's sixth-place standing in the Premier League as a key factor. "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," the statement read. "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."
Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag in November 2024, was informed of the decision in person at the club's Carrington training ground by director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada. Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher is expected to step in as interim manager for United's upcoming trip to Burnley on Wednesday, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The sacking appears to stem from a combination of on-field struggles and mounting tensions behind the scenes. Club sources told ESPN that the hierarchy had "not seen enough signs of evolution or progress" during Amorim's tenure, during which he won 24 of 63 matches overall and secured just 15 Premier League victories. This season, United have managed only eight wins from 20 league games, leaving them six points off the top four.
However, the timing of the dismissal — coming so soon after Sunday's draw at Elland Road — points to deeper interpersonal issues. Sources described an explosive meeting between Amorim and Wilcox on Friday, originally intended to provide feedback on United's 1-1 draw with Wolves three days prior. The conversation reportedly shifted to Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 formation and suggestions for evolving the team's style, which did not sit well with the coach.
"Amorim did not take kindly to the conversation," sources said, adding that his volatile response was viewed by club bosses as "too emotional" and indicative of a breakdown in his relationship with Wilcox. Following the meeting, Amorim held a tense news conference before abruptly leaving Carrington. He later pulled out of a scheduled broadcast interview, citing personal reasons, with defender Lisandro Martínez stepping in to fill the slot.
The situation escalated after the Leeds match, where Amorim unleashed his frustrations in a stunning post-game presser. "Do your jobs," he urged United's bosses, in a pointed reference to Wilcox and the club's leadership. He also demanded to be treated as "manager, not the coach," emphasizing his desire for greater authority in decision-making.
Speaking ahead of the Leeds game on Friday, Amorim had already voiced irritation over the lack of activity in the January transfer window. Club sources insist that Amorim was "fully aligned" with their transfer strategy and that the sacking was not solely due to behind-the-scenes friction. Instead, they emphasized the need to give "a capable and committed squad the best chance of being successful."
Despite these assurances, sources close to the club acknowledged that Amorim's barbs during the Elland Road news conference played a significant role. The Portuguese coach's outburst drew immediate comparisons from pundits. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher remarked that Amorim had been "barely competent for the Premier League," while ex-United captain Gary Neville likened the episode to Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca's own tensions with his board.
Amorim's 14-month stint at Old Trafford was marked by turbulence from the outset. Arriving with a reputation from his successful days at Sporting Lisbon, he inherited a squad in transition after ten Hag's departure. Yet, results failed to materialize consistently, with United struggling to implement his tactical vision amid injuries and inconsistent performances.
The 1-1 draw with Leeds, which saw United squander a lead through a late equalizer, encapsulated the frustrations of the season. It was the latest in a series of lackluster results that had seen the team slip down the table, prompting questions about Amorim's long-term fit.
As for what comes next, United are still formulating a succession plan. Sources indicate the club is inclined toward appointing another interim boss to see out the season, with a permanent hire targeted for the summer. Fletcher's experience within the youth setup makes him a steady, if temporary, choice, but speculation is already rife about potential candidates ranging from established Premier League managers to overseas options.
The decision to part ways with Amorim underscores the high stakes at one of football's biggest clubs, where patience is often in short supply. United's hierarchy, led by Wilcox and Berrada, has faced scrutiny itself for the rapid turnover in coaching staff — this marks the third head coach change in as many years.
Reactions from players and staff have been muted so far, with no official comments beyond the club's statement. Martínez, who covered for Amorim in the broadcast interview, praised the coach's passion but declined to delve into the internal dynamics. Fans, meanwhile, expressed a mix of disappointment and resignation on social media, with many pointing to the need for stability.
Looking ahead, United's focus shifts to the Burnley clash and salvaging what remains of their season. With European qualification on the line and the FA Cup still in play, the interim period will test the squad's resilience. For Amorim, the abrupt end to his United adventure opens questions about his next move, potentially back to Portugal or a fresh challenge elsewhere in Europe.
In the broader context of the Premier League's managerial merry-go-round, Amorim's dismissal serves as a reminder of the intense pressure at the top level. Clubs like United demand immediate results, and even a coach with Amorim's pedigree couldn't buck the trend this time. As the search for his replacement begins, the Red Devils hope to steady the ship and climb back into contention.