Manchester United has sacked Ruben Amorim, with the Portuguese’s final game of his 14-month spell in charge was the 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Sunday, which leaves them sixth in the Premier League after 20 matches.
Former midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher is expected to take charge on an interim basis.
His first game would be away at Burnley on Wednesday night, with a permanent appointment likely to be announced in the summer.
The decision has been arrived at by the club’s leadership team, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, after a breakdown in relations behind the scenes.
The club statement read, “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United.
“Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
“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.
“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.
“Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.”
As per the terms in the deal Amorim signed to leave Sporting CP for United in November 2024, there is no clause present to enable a discounted exit, meaning United will have to pay up his contract in full. It was set to run until 2027 with the option of a further year.
Speaking after the draw at Elland Road, Amorim hinted at tensions with those working alongside him, making clear in his post-match press conference that he considered himself the “manager” of United, not the “coach”.
“It’s going to be like this for 18 months or when the board decide to change,” Amorim added.
“That was my point. I want to finish with that. I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me.”
Amorim has been criticised for his perceived tactical inflexibility during his time at United, due to his preference for a 3-4-3 set up.
Speaking before the Leeds game, Amorim hinted at differences of opinion relating to the 3-4-3 formation and an inability to sign the players his preferred system requires. He again set his team up in the 3-4-3 against Leeds.
United went on to suffer their worst-ever Premier League season, finishing 15th with just 42 points — their fewest in a top-flight season since they were relegated in 1973–74.
They went out of the FA Cup in the fifth round at the hands of Fulham, suffered a Carabao Cup exit at the quarter-final stage after losing to Tottenham Hotspur and reached the final of the Europa League, only to lose to the north London side again.
Defeat by Spurs in Bilbao sealed a first trophyless campaign since 2021-22 and ensured they failed to secure European football for the first time since 2014.
United spent more than £200 million ($269m) on new signings during the 2025 summer transfer window, with Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha all arriving for fees above £60m. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens also arrived from Royal Antwerp in an £18.2m deal on deadline day.
This season, United endured their worst opening to a campaign since 1992-93, managing only seven points from their opening six Premier League games.
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