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Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim is leaving Manchester United after just 14 months in charge. Here’s everything you need to know.
Manchester United have announced that manager Ruben Amorim will step down with immediate effect after 14 months in the role.
Amorim, 40, will leave the famous English club after leading the team back into the Premier League’s top flight and failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
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He leaves the club sixth in the Premier League, a good improvement from their 15th place finish at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Here’s what you need to know after his sudden departure from the club.
Why did Amorim suddenly leave Manchester United?
He was shown sent off hours after a raucous press conference in which he slammed the club’s scouting department and the media.
He hit back hard at questions about job security and delivered a defiant message that he had come to United as a manager with full powers.
A clearly frustrated Amorim told United’s scouting and director of football Jason Wilcox to “do their job”.
However, tensions are high between the club and the manager, and he said there had been “no conversations” about potential additions in the January transfer window as the club tries to manage a depleted squad.
When was the last game Amorim coached?
Amorim’s last game as Man United manager was a 1-1 draw away to Leeds United on 4 January 2026.
Who will replace Amorim as Man United manager?
Former United player and academy head coach Darren Fletcher has been appointed interim manager with immediate effect.
What did Manchester United say about Amorim’s sacking?
Announcing Amorim’s departure, United said: “The club’s leadership have reluctantly decided that the time is right to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity to achieve the best results 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.”
Has Amorim hinted at leaving United?
No, he was defiant when asked about his role and job security.
“I’m not quitting,” he said last week, adding: “I’m going to do my job until someone else comes in to replace me.”
What is Amorim’s record at Manchester United?
The Portuguese manager’s 14-month record at United was 24 wins, 18 draws and 21 defeats.
What is Manchester United’s performance in the 2025-26 season?
Amorim leaves Man United sixth in the Premier League with 31 points from 20 games, but they have won just one of their last five games.
How did former players and experts react to Amorim’s dismissal?
Former United player turned pundit Rio Ferdinand said on social media that Amorim’s biggest mistake was not trying to adapt. He also hinted at several possible replacements, including Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and Xavi.
Ferdinand cited Amorim’s recent comments as the reason for his dismissal.
“That’s why he became such a sharp and quick comment overnight – his comment a few hours ago,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, another player-turned-specialist, Gary Neville, said the Portuguese was becoming increasingly frustrated and was “starting to let loose”.
“Something happened there last week. The quotes that come out mean that Ruben Amorim is starting to unravel a little bit now,” Neville told Sky Sports before Amorim’s departure.
“Everyone has to read between the lines what he’s saying. It looks to me like he’s not happy with something in the hierarchy.”
