Manchester United announced the departure of manager Ruben Amorim on Monday morning, amid an apparent breakdown in his relationship with the club’s board.
Amorim made headlines on Sunday afternoon following United’s 1-1 draw at Leeds United, by making bold statements relating to his job description. Less than 24 hours later, the former Sporting man was dismissed after 14 months in charge.
United’s draw with fierce rivals Leeds was not considered a poor result in isolation, with the hosts in good form and Amorim’s side depleted by eight absentees – most of them starters. However, the dropped points arrived after a December in which United produced several poor results at Old Trafford, which saw criticism of Amorim regain momentum.
Yet despite the inconsistent form, United remain on-course for their pre-season target of a top 6 finish. Therefore, it seems a breakdown in Amorim's relationship with key personnel at Old Trafford has accelerated the decision to make a change mid-season. At no point across recent weeks had credible outlets suggested Amorim was in imminent danger.
According to esteemed journalist David Ornstein, United’s chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox “arrived at the decision after a breakdown in relations behind the scenes” at Old Trafford. Amorim still had 18 months remaining on his contract and it will be paid in full.
“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,” read a club statement. “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.”
Ahead of the match with Leeds, Amorim had intimated there had been a cooling in his rapport with people higher up at United, which came following reports suggesting that he had been asked to change from his favoured 3-4-2-1 set-up and January spending may be affected should he not comply. After the match, the former Seleção international went further, offering an impassioned declaration that he had not joined the club to be merely a head coach.
“It’s going to be like this for 18 months or when the board decide to change,” Amorim said after the Leeds draw. “That was my point, I want to finish with that. I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me.”
"I came here to be the manager, not the coach!" 👔
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 4, 2026
Ruben Amorim came out with a strong press conference following Man United's draw 😳 pic.twitter.com/f68YShkQiC
Amorim, who turns just 41 later this month, leaves United with a poor record, having inherited a messy situation after Erik ten Hag’s departure last year. Overall, he led the team of 63 occasions, securing 24 victories, 18 draws and 21 defeats, with his time largely blighted by questions over his tactical acumen.
United, who could have Bruno Fernandes back from a hamstring injury by the weekend, have appointed former player Darren Fletcher as interim manager, with suggestions a permanent boss may not be hired until the summer.
By Sean Gillen
