Ruben Amorim was visibly delighted shortly after being relieved of his duties as Manchester United’s head coach. The club officially announced his departure on Monday morning following a 14-month stint.
The 40-year-old openly criticized the board in a press conference after the Leeds match, implying they should focus on their responsibilities amidst rising tensions. He was dismissed within a day of his remarks.
Later that day, Amorim was seen leaving his residence in Cheshire with his wife, Maria Joao Diogo, displaying an unexpected sense of contentment despite his recent dismissal from Old Trafford. The Portuguese coach seemed to take the news in his stride, engaging in light-hearted conversations with photographers during a casual stroll in the snow.
The club’s statement declared, “Ruben Amorim has left his position as head coach of Manchester United. He was appointed in November 2024 and guided the team to the UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.”
“Given Manchester United’s current sixth position in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly decided that it is the appropriate time for a change. This decision is aimed at providing the team with the best chance for a strong finish in the Premier League.”
“The club appreciates Ruben’s contributions and wishes him success in his future endeavors. Darren Fletcher will lead the team in the upcoming match against Burnley on Wednesday.”
Amorim, recruited from Sporting Lisbon in November 2024, oversaw United’s worst season in over five decades, culminating in a defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final. In the Premier League, he holds records for the lowest win ratio (32%), highest goals conceded per game ratio (1.53), and lowest clean sheet ratio (15%) among all United managers in history.
Former Red Devils midfielder and current Under-18s head coach Darren Fletcher has been appointed as the interim manager of the first team at United.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca are among the potential candidates to permanently succeed Amorim.
Following the Burnley game on Wednesday, Manchester United will have a break from Premier League action as they host Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup on Sunday at Old Trafford. They will then face Manchester City at home six days later before traveling to the Emirates Stadium to play Arsenal on Sunday, January 25.
Sky has reduced the cost of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, offering savings of £192 and access to over 1,400 live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League and the EFL. Sky plans to broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 matches.