Ruben Amorim fired by Manchester United after turbulent managerial spell

Manchester United has fired manager Ruben Amorim after a rollercoaster spell at the Premier League giant, the club confirmed in a statement.

“Ruben Amorim has departed his role as head coach of Manchester United,” an official statement reads. “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 of the highest possible Premier League finish.

“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”

Amorim was told earlier this morning that his services were no longer required. The former Sporting CP boss has been in charge for 14 months.

Part-owner Jim Ratcliffe said last year he wanted to give him three years to turn things around. With Manchester United trailing Liverpool this season, though, the decision has been made to switch things up.

After drawing 1-1 with Leeds, Amorim made clear that he considered himself the “manager” and not the “head coach”, which is a role with less power. “I’m not going to quit,” he said. “I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me.”

Former midfielder Darren Fletcher, who has held the position of U18s coach, is set to take temporary charge. A permanent successor to Amorim might take some time to sort out with no immediately obvious candidates.

As things stand, Manchester United is sixth in the Premier League standings. It is three points behind Liverpool.

This change means that Amorim follows Enzo Maresca in leaving one of the clubs chasing down the Reds. The Spaniard left Chelsea on New Year’s Day.