Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Ruben Amorim, dismissing the Portuguese manager with immediate effect after just 14 months in charge at Old Trafford.
The Final Straw and a Smiling Departure
Ruben Amorim was given the news of his sacking at the club's Carrington training ground on Monday morning. The decision, taken by the United hierarchy last Friday, followed an outspoken rant from the manager after Sunday's Premier League draw away at Leeds United. Remarkably, just hours after his dismissal, Amorim and his wife, Maria Joao Diogo, were photographed leaving their Cheshire mansion wearing broad smiles, a stark contrast to his sullen demeanour the day before.
The club's leadership, including director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, informed Amorim of their verdict. The move had the full backing of the board and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. United's senior players were also notified of the change.
A Clash of Visions and a Costly Payout
The rift between Amorim and the United executives had been widening. Sources indicate that after a disappointing 1-1 draw with bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers last Tuesday, Amorim was told the £250million summer squad was capable of playing more attacking football and deserved trust. This message, however, was met with a furious response from the 40-year-old coach.
In his defiant post-match comments after the Leeds game, Amorim insisted he was hired to be the "manager" of Manchester United, not just the "coach," highlighting a fundamental disagreement over his role and authority. His departure triggers a substantial compensation package, though the exact figure is unclear; he was due £12million if sacked before November 1st.
Fletcher Steps In as Search Begins
Former United midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher has been installed as caretaker manager. He will take charge for at least the next two matches: Wednesday's trip to Burnley and the FA Cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion. The club is not currently looking beyond those fixtures, with top candidates like Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti unavailable until after the upcoming World Cup.
Amorim's tenure, which began in November 2024 after his move from Sporting Lisbon, was marked by turbulence. He leaves with United in sixth place in the Premier League, having overseen the club's worst season in over 50 years and missing European qualification. His reign became a source of mockery for some, notably when footage emerged of him using coaching magnets in the dugout during an embarrassing Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town in August.
A club statement thanked Amorim for his contribution, including leading the team to the UEFA Europa League final in May 2025, but stated the leadership felt a change was needed to secure the highest possible league finish this season.
