Manchester United have sacked boss Ruben Amorim with the club sixth in the Premier League table.
Amorim’s final game in charge was yesterday’s 1-1 draw at Leeds, after which the Portuguese made some outspoken comments that hinted of conflict behind the scenes.
He said: “I just want to say I came here to be the manager, not to be the coach.
“In every department – the scouting department, the sporting director – [they] need to do their job. I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on.
“I just want to say that I’m going to be the manager of this team, not just the coach. I was really clear on that. That is going to finish in 18 months and then everyone is going to move on. That was the deal. That is my job. Not to be a coach.”
Amorim departs Manchester United after just 14 months
Amorim took charge in November 2024 – and was described as the ‘head coach’ by United at the time – but has failed to implement the ideas that made him one of Europe’s most highly regarded tacticians during his time at Sporting CP.
The club finished 15th in the Premier League last season, just four points above the relegation zone, with Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation being a regular talking point.
And despite signs of a more flexible approach in recent weeks, and with United at least challenging at the right end of the table, the axe fell this morning.
Manchester United: It’s the right time time a change
A club statement read: “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as head coach of Manchester United.
“Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
“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. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”
The statement ended by confirming former United midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher will take interim charge for Wednesday’s trip to Burnley.
more to follow
