Amorim’s checkered reign as manager comes to an end after 14 months, with academy coach Fletcher taking over temporarily.
Published January 5, 2026
Manchester United have sacked manager Ruben Amorim, ending a tumultuous 14-month reign.
“Ruben Amorim has resigned from his position as head coach of Manchester United,” the Premier League club announced in a statement on Monday.
Former United player and academy coach Darren Fletcher has been called up on an interim basis and will take charge of the squad for Wednesday’s next game against Burnley.
The statement added: “With Manchester United currently sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership have reluctantly decided that now is the right time to make a change.”
“This will give the team the best opportunity to achieve the best possible result in the Premier League.”
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
After being poached from Sporting Club de Portugal in November 2024, Amorim made 63 appearances and led United to 24 wins.
The 40-year-old also led his team to the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao in May.
Amorim’s last game as manager was on Sunday, when the former champions drew 1-1 with Leeds United.
After the match, a furious Amorim held a fiery press conference, stressing that his job was as United’s manager, not just a coach.
He then urged scouting departments and athletic directors to “do their jobs,” scolded reporters for “selected information,” and then began to vigorously defend his position.
The Portuguese manager hinted at frustration behind the scenes in the preparations for the match and refused to reveal his latest comments regarding the club’s transfer plans.
United, 20-time English champions, have not won the Premier League since 2013, when Alex Ferguson was last in charge.
