Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Ruben Amorim following a difficult period at Old Trafford marked by poor results and internal tension. The decision was taken on Monday as the club moved to address its struggles in the Premier League and ongoing instability on the pitch.
The Portuguese manager’s exit followed a turbulent week that culminated in a 1-1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday, January 4, in the Premier League. Tension reportedly ran high after the match, with Amorim’s public comments adding to concerns already growing within the club’s hierarchy.
United’s recent form played a major role in the decision. The team managed just three wins in their last ten Premier League matches, a run that further dented hopes of a sustained revival under Amorim. With pressure mounting from fans and stakeholders, the club’s ownership group, INEOS, decided that a managerial change was necessary.
Amorim was appointed Manchester United manager in November 2024 after a highly successful spell at Sporting Clube de Portugal. He arrived at Old Trafford with a strong reputation, having rebuilt Sporting into a dominant force in Portugal during his four-year tenure. Expectations were high that he could replicate that success in England.
However, his time at United failed to meet expectations. The club finished the 2024/25 Premier League season in 15th place, one of their lowest league finishes in the modern era. United also suffered disappointment in Europe, losing the Europa League final 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite those setbacks, INEOS chose to back Amorim during the summer transfer window. The club invested more than £200 million to strengthen the squad, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The signings were aimed at improving attacking output and long-term squad balance.
There were signs of progress, particularly in the final third, as United showed flashes of improved attacking play. However, those improvements were undermined by inconsistency, defensive lapses and an inability to string together positive results. Over time, patience within the club wore thin.
Amorim ultimately left the club with a disappointing record. He managed 24 wins in 63 matches in all competitions, a return that fell well short of expectations for a club of United’s stature.
In the immediate aftermath of his departure, Manchester United confirmed that Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team for the upcoming midweek fixture against Burnley. Fletcher, a former United midfielder, has been part of the club’s coaching structure and is seen as a short-term solution.
Attention has quickly turned to who will become United’s next permanent manager. Speculation has intensified, with several high-profile names already linked to the role as the club searches for stability.
Club legend Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on the debate, publicly sharing his preferred candidates. Writing on social media, Ferdinand named Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi, England manager Thomas Tuchel, former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez, and Darren Fletcher as possible options.
De Zerbi is familiar with English football after his time with Brighton & Hove Albion, where his tactical approach earned widespread praise. Xavi, who previously managed Barcelona, has long been admired by sections of United’s hierarchy and is believed to be under consideration.
Tuchel, a four-time UEFA Champions League winner as a manager, was also previously discussed by INEOS during the summer of 2024. At that time, the club opted to retain Erik ten Hag instead. Fletcher, while respected within the club, is viewed by many as lacking the top-level managerial experience required for a long-term appointment.
