Manchester United have officially parted ways with Ruben Amorim, ending his reign as manager just 14 months after his arrival at Old Trafford.
The club confirmed the decision on Monday, with sources indicating that the move followed an irreparable breakdown in internal relations behind the scenes.
In a statement, United explained that despite sitting sixth in the Premier League, the leadership believed a change was necessary to give the team the “best opportunity of achieving the highest possible league finish.”
Renowned sports journalist David Ornstein reported that United’s senior hierarchy, led by Chief Executive Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox, unanimously agreed to terminate Amorim’s contract after tensions within the club reached a tipping point.
Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, currently the club’s Under-18s coach, is expected to take charge as interim manager, starting with Wednesday night’s away clash against Burnley. The club is understood to be planning a permanent managerial appointment in the summer.
Amorim’s dismissal follows a turbulent weekend in which he clashed with the media before and after Sunday’s Premier League draw against Leeds United at Elland Road. The Portuguese coach appeared visibly frustrated in his pre-match press conference, refusing to engage on questions about transfers or whether he had been pressured to alter his tactical philosophy.
After the match, Amorim further fuelled speculation by stressing that he was hired as a manager, not merely a head coach, while openly questioning his long-term future at the club.
Reports in recent weeks had highlighted growing friction between Amorim and Jason Wilcox, with the former Sporting CP boss reportedly unhappy over unmet transfer assurances a factor believed to have significantly influenced United’s decision.
Despite the upheaval, Manchester United remain firmly in the hunt for European qualification. The Red Devils are sixth in the table, level on points with Chelsea in fifth and just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
