Manchester United sack Ruben Amorim after a turbulent 14-month spell that concludes with the club languishing in sixth place following Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Leeds United, the club confirms.
Former midfielder Darren Fletcher will take interim charge. The 41-year-old Scot, currently managing the Under-18s, faces his first assignment away at Burnley on Wednesday night. United’s hierarchy will wait until summer before appointing a permanent successor.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox led the decision to dismiss the 40-year-old Portuguese coach. Reports indicate a complete breakdown in relations behind the scenes prompted the move.
United must pay Amorim’s contract in full. The deal runs until 2027 with an option for an additional year. The Red Devils paid €11 million to secure his services from Sporting CP in November 2024.
The Portuguese boss faced persistent criticism for his tactical stubbornness. His unwavering commitment to a 3-4-3 formation became a source of tension. Reports in December revealed United had experimented with different systems in training. A 1-0 win over Newcastle on December 26 saw Amorim deploy a 4-2-3-1, but he quickly reverted to his preferred shape.
Disagreements over transfers added to the strain. Amorim expressed frustration after United failed to land Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in January.
The 2024-25 campaign proved catastrophic. United finished 15th with 42 points, their lowest tally since relegation in 1973-74. They exited the FA Cup in the fifth round to Fulham and lost their Carabao Cup quarter-final to Tottenham. A Europa League final defeat to Spurs in Bilbao sealed their first trophyless season since 2021-22.
United spent over £200 million last summer. Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha all arrived for fees exceeding £60 million each. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens joined from Royal Antwerp for £18.2 million on deadline day.
This season brought no respite. United collected just seven points from their opening six fixtures, matching their worst start since 1992-93. The club endured a humiliating Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town in August.
Fletcher’s promotion comes after an impressive spell with the youth team. He had served as a first-team coach under Erik ten Hag before moving to the academy last summer. His playing career saw him make 342 appearances for United, winning five Premier League titles.
What Else?
Amorim won two Primeira Liga titles with Sporting in 2021 and 2024. He also claimed the Taca da Liga twice. He replaced Ten Hag, who departed after two and a half years marked by consistent underachievement.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated just three months ago that Amorim deserved three years to prove himself. The rapid U-turn raises serious questions about INEOS’ football strategy.
Manchester United sack Ruben Amorim marks another failed appointment in a long line of post-Ferguson disappointments.
