Ruben Amorim’s reign ends in acrimony as Man Utd sack head coach after 14 months

By Simon Peach, Press Association Chief Football Writer

Manchester United have called time on Ruben Amorim’s tenure after a frosty end to 14 underwhelming months and handed the reins to former midfielder Darren Fletcher on a temporary basis.

There have been more lows – and press conference soundbites – than highs since the 40-year-old succeeded Erik ten Hag as head coach in November 2024, signing a deal until 2027.

United’s costly Europa League final loss to Tottenham compounded a 15th-place finish in the Premier League – their worst campaign in 51 years – and some flickers of improvement this term have not been enough.

A lack of evolution and progress rather than a power struggle led to Amorim’s exit, club sources have told the Press Association, with former midfielder Fletcher placed in charge for Wednesday’s trip to Burnley.

“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 club said in a statement.

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

Fletcher, who is stepping up from his role as under-18s boss, is due to face the media on Tuesday and could remain in charge for Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton.

United are understood to be weighing up their options and plan to start talking to potential candidates on Tuesday. An interim appointment until the end of the season is possible.

Amorim was pictured smiling on a walk with his wife on Monday afternoon, having been told of the club’s decision by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox in the morning.

The Portuguese is understood to have had a significant, heated exchange with Wilcox on Friday in the wake of the drab 1-1 home draw with rock-bottom Wolves.

Amorim is said to have snapped at talk of his set-up and the United boss hinted at tension behind the scenes during the press conference that followed later that day.

The meeting triggered a series of events that left his position untenable, with Sunday’s blockbuster comments following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Elland Road proving the final straw.

Amorim stressed he was United’s manager rather than “just the coach”, then told the scouting department and sporting director “to do their job” in a press conference in which he repeatedly said he would leave when his deal expired in 18 months.

Instead, he lasted just 19 hours as the club sacked a manager that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had only given his backing to in October by saying he “needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years”.

Club statement: Ruben Amorim.

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 5, 2026

But recent outbursts are unlikely to have gone down well with the ruthless Ineos chief, while PA understands comments about players and the academy have angered some.

The main sticking point, though, was the lack of sufficient headway being made on the field.

United were under the impression that Amorim would look to develop a more proactive, attacking style after implementing his well-documented 3-4-3 structure.

Yet that did not come to pass despite private assurances and the Portuguese took exception to what was meant to be constructive feedback, particularly in Friday’s meeting with Wilcox.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is the early bookmakers’ favourite to succeed him, but some around the club wonder if United would appoint another manager with a preference for a back three.

The club hierarchy are understood to be taking stock as they seek to get through Wednesday’s trip to Burnley, and potentially beyond, under Fletcher.

The 41-year-old academy graduate made 342 first-team appearances for the Red Devils and has held a variety of roles since returning to the club in 2020.

Fletcher is seen by colleagues as an excellent coach and outstanding character, providing a positive influence during some darker times at the club.

Under-21s lead coach Travis Binnion could form part of Fletcher’s backroom team at Turf Moor.