In a stunning development at Old Trafford, Manchester United have announced the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim, just 14 months after the Portuguese tactician took the reins at one of English football’s most storied clubs.
The decision, described by the club as “reluctant,” comes amid mounting pressure over Premier League performances, despite Amorim’s efforts to steer the team through a turbulent campaign.
A statement from the club read: “The 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 achieving the highest possible Premier League finish. We thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wish him well for the future.”
Amid the upheaval, United’s current Under-18s coach, Darren Fletcher, will take temporary charge of the first team, starting with Wednesday’s clash against Burnley.
United currently sit sixth in the Premier League table after a 1-1 draw at Leeds on Sunday, a result that only heightened scrutiny on Amorim’s tenure.
The Portuguese manager’s departure comes after a series of tense interactions behind the scenes. Just after Sunday’s game, an irate Amorim had publicly stressed his authority, reminding both the scouting department and director of football Jason Wilcox to “do their job.”
The 40-year-old had voiced frustration over limited access to information, emphasizing that he was at United to be the manager, not merely a coach.
Amorim’s 14-month spell, while short, had its moments, He guided United to the Europa League final in Bilbao in May, where they were narrowly defeated by Tottenham Hotspur. However, the club’s league form was less inspiring, finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, a record that underscored the ongoing challenge of bridging European ambitions with domestic expectations.
The Portuguese’s tenure now ranks as the shortest of a permanent United manager since David Moyes, who lasted eight months before being dismissed in 2014.
With the mid-season transfer window approaching, United face a critical period of restructuring and tactical recalibration.
The club’s board has signaled that a permanent managerial appointment will follow swiftly, as fans and pundits alike speculate on who might be tasked with reviving the fortunes of one of world football’s most iconic teams.
