Ruben Amorim has been dismissed from his role as the head coach of Manchester United following a 14-month tenure marked by rising tensions and disappointing results. His final match in charge was the 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Sunday, which left the team sitting sixth in the Premier League table after 20 matches.
In the wake of Amorim’s departure, Darren Fletcher, a former midfielder and current Under-18s coach, has been appointed as the interim head coach, with his first challenge set to be an away fixture at Burnley. The club is expected to pursue a permanent replacement, likely waiting until the summer for a suitable appointment.
The decision to part ways with Amorim was made by the club’s leadership team, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, after a noted breakdown in relationships and internal disagreements regarding team strategy and player selection. A club statement expressed gratitude for Amorim’s contributions and stated that the decision was made to give the team a better chance at achieving a strong finish in the league.
Amorim, who joined Manchester United after a successful stint at Sporting CP, was criticized for his tactical rigidity, particularly his persistent use of a 3-4-3 formation. Although the team attempted to experiment with different strategies during training, including a 4-2-3-1 setup that yielded a win against Newcastle United, the reversion to a back three against other teams drew criticism from fans and analysts alike.
His time at United was also marred by struggles on the pitch, coming off a historically poor campaign that saw the club finish 15th in the Premier League, the lowest since their relegation season in 1973-74. Amorim’s record included disappointing exits from both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, as well as a finals loss in the Europa League.
Despite significant investment in new players during the recent transfer window, including Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, the club’s performance suffered, leading to mounting pressure on Amorim and calls for change. The decision to fire him reflects the ongoing turmoil within the club and the need for a fresh direction.
Looking forward, Manchester United now faces a critical juncture as they seek to reinvigorate the squad and restore their competitive status. The appointment of Fletcher may bring a temporary boost, especially with the Under-18s enjoying a successful season under his guidance. As the club evaluates their next steps, including potential managerial candidates, fans will be hopeful for a swift turnaround and a return to the club’s former glory.