Ruben Amorim's tenure as Manchester United's head coach has ended abruptly after just 14 months, with the club announcing his departure on Monday. The decision follows a period of growing tension between the Portuguese manager and the club's hierarchy, culminating in a public outburst after a 1-1 draw against Leeds United.
Amorim's appointment in November 2024 was initially met with optimism. The club highlighted his previous successes, including winning the Primeira Liga twice with Sporting CP. However, his time at Old Trafford was marked by inconsistency and a failure to meet expectations. Despite leading the team to a UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao in May, United's league form remained a concern.
Manchester United finished the 2024/25 season in 15th place, their lowest league position since 1989/90. Overall, Amorim managed just 24 wins in his 63 games in charge, a win rate of 38.71%. This is considered the worst win rate of any Manchester United manager since 1971.
The relationship between Amorim and the club's board deteriorated significantly in recent weeks. Following the draw with Leeds, Amorim openly criticized the club's transfer policy and suggested that he was not being supported in building a competitive squad. He also insisted that he saw himself as the "manager" of Manchester United, not just the "coach".
These comments were interpreted as a direct challenge to the authority of the club's leadership, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. The club's hierarchy felt that Amorim was given their full backing, pointing to the approximately £250 million spent on players since his arrival as evidence of their support.
In a statement, Manchester United acknowledged Amorim's contributions but stated that a change was necessary to give the team the best opportunity to achieve the highest possible Premier League finish. The club also thanked Amorim for his service and wished him well for the future.
Darren Fletcher, a former Manchester United player and current academy coach, has been appointed as interim manager. He will take charge of the team for their next game against Burnley on Wednesday. The club has already begun the search for a permanent replacement, with potential candidates including Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola.
The sacking of Ruben Amorim marks another chapter of instability at Old Trafford. The club has struggled to find a long-term replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson, and Amorim's departure raises further questions about the direction of the team.
