BREAKING: Manchester United sack Amorim after 14 months

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Manchester United have dismissed Ruben Amorim as head coach, ending the Portuguese manager’s 14-month spell at Old Trafford, with Darren Fletcher set to take charge on an interim basis.

The club confirmed Amorim’s departure less than 24 hours after his public comments following a 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United, where he openly questioned his working relationship with senior figures and reiterated his desire to function as a manager rather than “just the coach”.

“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 a statement.

“This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.”

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 exit follows days of growing scrutiny. On Friday, he hinted at strained relations behind the scenes, suggesting he lacked full backing in the transfer market.

After Sunday’s draw at Elland Road, he went further, stressing that he wanted to operate as the manager of Manchester United and repeatedly referencing the remaining 18 months on his contract.

Sources indicated that United’s hierarchy were unconvinced by the team’s development this season, believing there was insufficient evidence of progress under Amorim despite the club remaining in the hunt for European qualification.

Appointed in November 2024 as successor to Erik ten Hag, Amorim won 25 of his 63 matches in charge.

His tenure is the shortest by a permanent United manager since David Moyes was dismissed eight months into his reign in 2014. Amorim’s backroom staff have also left the club.

Fletcher to take interim charge

Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher will oversee the team for Wednesday’s Premier League trip to Burnley.

Fletcher, 41, is currently head coach of the club’s under-18s and previously served as technical director between 2021 and 2024, but this will be his first senior managerial role.

The former Scotland international spent 13 years as a United player, winning five Premier League titles and the 2007/08 Champions League.

Fletcher is expected to address the media on Tuesday ahead of the Burnley fixture, as United begin preparations for life after Amorim.