Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge, bringing an abrupt end to a turbulent tenure marked by internal disagreements over recruitment and on-field inconsistency.
The Portuguese tactician was dismissed on Monday, with club sources pointing to a growing rift between Amorim and the club’s leadership, particularly over January transfer plans and long-term squad building.
Amorim’s exit follows a public outburst after Sunday’s Premier League draw with Leeds United, where he openly questioned the club’s recruitment department and expressed frustration over a lack of backing in the transfer market.
Although Amorim believed the club would support him should a major signing become available in January, he later admitted there had been no discussions about strengthening the squad.
His relationship with director of football Jason Wilcox reportedly deteriorated, with United reluctant to approve players suited to Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system amid doubts over his long-term future.
In a strongly worded statement after the Leeds match, Amorim insisted he was appointed to manage, not merely coach, the club and vowed not to resign despite the mounting pressure.
“I came here to be the manager of Manchester United,” Amorim said. “I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until the board decide otherwise.”
United confirmed the decision in a club statement, citing league position and future ambitions.
“With Manchester United currently sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly decided that this is the right moment to make a change to maximise the team’s chances of achieving the highest possible finish,” the statement read.
Amorim was appointed in November 2024 on a deal running until June 2027, with an option for an extra year. His reign included United’s worst-ever Premier League finish last season — 15th with 42 points — and defeat in the Europa League final.
Despite a significant summer spend of £165 million on players including Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, United failed to mount a sustained revival.
This season also saw early setbacks, including a shock Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby, though a modest recovery lifted United to sixth, just four points above 14th-placed Crystal Palace.
Amorim won only 15 of his 46 league matches in charge, with his rigid adherence to a back-three system drawing sustained criticism from pundits and sections of the fanbase.
United are now searching for their seventh permanent manager or head coach since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Former midfielder Darren Fletcher will take charge on an interim basis for Wednesday’s match against Burnley.
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