Manchester United have dismissed manager Ruben Amorim, bringing his 14-month tenure to an end as the club appoints academy coach and former midfielder Darren Fletcher as interim head coach.
The Premier League side confirmed the decision in a statement on Monday. “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as head coach of Manchester United,” the club said.
Fletcher will take charge of the team on a temporary basis, starting with Wednesday’s league fixture against Burnley. United said the change was made with the aim of improving their league position, with the club currently sitting sixth in the Premier League.
“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 statement added.
Amorim was appointed in November 2024 from Sporting Clube de Portugal amid high expectations.
During his time at Old Trafford, the 40-year-old oversaw 63 matches, recording 24 wins and guiding the club to the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao last May.
His final game in charge came on Sunday, when United were held to a 1-1 draw by Leeds United. After the match, Amorim delivered a tense post-match press conference, where he stressed that his role went beyond coaching and appeared to criticise elements of the club’s recruitment and scouting structure.
In its announcement, the club expressed appreciation for Amorim’s efforts. “The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future,” United said.
Fletcher’s interim appointment places a familiar figure in charge as the club looks to stabilise its season. United, 20-time English champions, are still chasing their first Premier League title since 2013, the final season under Sir Alex Ferguson, and will hope the change provides a lift in the weeks ahead.