Manchester United has sacked head coach Ruben Amorim following a 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday, which highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles. Former player Darren Fletcher is expected to take on the role of interim manager.
In an official statement, the club communicated that this decision was made to help improve their standing in the league.
“Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United. Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May. With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity for the highest possible Premier League finish. The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution and wishes him well for the future,” the statement read.
“Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday,” the statement added.
Fletcher, who was with United from 2002 to 2015, has remained involved in various coaching roles since retiring. Currently the head coach of the U-18 team, he was also part of the first-team staff under Ole Gunnar Solskjær in 2021. During his playing career, he contributed to five league titles under Sir Alex Ferguson and was part of the 2008 Champions League-winning squad.
Amorim, a notable signing after his successful spell at Sporting, struggled to implement his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, despite having visible alternatives.
While there was some progress this season, Amorim was unable to consistently display that his strategic vision was taking effect, as Manchester United frequently faced challenges. Notably, the team dropped points at home against a Wolves side that had only two points at that stage.
Following Sunday’s draw, Amorim passionately asserted that he is the manager of the Red Devils, despite the club’s official title of head coach. He also seemed to critique the leadership at Old Trafford.