Manchester United has officially sacked head coach Ruben Amorim following a disappointing draw against relegation-threatened Leeds United.
The decision comes as the club sits sixth in the Premier League standings. In an official statement, the club’s leadership noted: “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 for the highest possible Premier League finish.”
Amorim’s Tenure at Old Trafford
The 40-year-old Portuguese coach joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in November 2024, replacing Erik ten Hag. However, his tenure was marked by historic lows:
- Worst Premier League Finish: United ended the previous season in 15th place, their lowest ranking since their 1974 relegation.
- European Heartbreak: A loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
- Recent Form: Under Amorim, the team won only three of their last 11 matches, leaving them 17 points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Tensions with the Media and Club Legends
The breaking point followed a fiery press conference after the Leeds result. Amorim, typically known for his honest demeanor, bristled at questions regarding his job security and his tactical inflexibility, specifically his commitment to a three-at-the-back formation.
Addressing criticisms from former captain and pundit Gary Neville, Amorim stated, “I came here to be the manager, not to be the coach. I was really clear on that.” He insisted on having authority over scouting and recruitment, a stance that reportedly created friction with the sporting director and club hierarchy.
What’s Next for Manchester United?
Assistant coach Darren Fletcher will take over as interim manager while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, Manchester United has struggled to find a consistent leader, cycling through David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, and Erik ten Hag. It has now been 13 years since the club last secured a Premier League title, and fans are eager to see if a new “big-name operator” can finally restore the glory days to Old Trafford.
