Manchester United announced on Monday, January 5, 2026, that they have parted ways with head coach Ruben Amorim. This follows a challenging 14-month tenure. The move comes after constant pressure due to underperforming on the pitch and some internal club disputes.
Despite their 1-1 draw with Leeds United at the weekend, they are now sixth in the league. This position is a bit better than their performance indicators all season.
In a press release issued by the club, United stated:
Ruben Amorim has left his position as manager of Manchester United. Manchester United sits sixth in the Premier League. The current management must now see it’s time to change managers. This will enable them to achieve the highest possible position in the Premier League. The management would like to thank Ruben Amorim for his service to Manchester United.
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Former United player Darren Fletcher, who has also been working with the club’s academy, will take over temporarily. Fletcher will be in charge of the club during his next match against Burnley on Wednesday as they begin the search for a permanent coach.
Rubén Amorim, a 40-year-old coach from Portugal, was hired in November 2024. He previously worked at Sporting Lisbon, where his tactics and focus on young players received high praise.
In his stay at Old Trafford, Amorim accumulated a record of 63 matches in charge, winning 24, recording 18 draws, and suffering 21 defeats. He guided the club to the final of the UEFA Europa League in May but lost narrowly in the final.
The inconsistency in the league hurt them badly. United had their worst Premier League finish last season, ending up 15th, their lowest in decades. This season isn’t looking much better, with only eight wins in their first 20 matches under Amorim.
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Reports and sources indicate there may have been tension that affected Amorim’s uneventful time at Manchester United. The coach had expressed in the media his irritation with the way the transfer business and his control at the club were managed. “I came to Manchester United to be the manager, not just the coach,” he was quoted.
There were also disputes with the club’s football administration. This included issues with the director of football, Jason Wilcox, about team formation and squad allocation. Some believe that these internal conflicts and poor performances led the club to part ways with manager Amorim.
The mix of sports and politics has led to many controversies, especially with changes in the team’s coaching staff. Amorim’s hiring and subsequent dismissal are just another case. Manchester United is still looking for consistency in its performance to secure European spots. Manchester United has seen a series of changes in its coaches in recent years.
With Fletcher taking charge on an immediate basis, the team has pressing fixtures looming on the horizon in the Premier League and cups. The management will be looking to steady the ship and find their rhythm, especially given the tough fixtures that lie in wait. In the meantime, while Manchester United looks for a new permanent manager, fans and analysts will be eager to see who will step up as the next long-term leader to bring success back to the club.
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