Manchester United have dismissed head coach Ruben Amorim, ending a volatile 14‑month tenure marked by inconsistent results, internal tension, and a dramatic public outburst that appears to have accelerated his exit.
The club announced the decision on Monday morning, less than a day after Amorim delivered an extraordinary post‑match press conference following a 1–1 draw with Leeds United. In it, he openly challenged the club hierarchy, urging senior figures to “do your jobs” and insisting he wanted to be “manager, not the coach” — remarks widely interpreted as a direct shot at director of football Jason Wilcox.
Although club sources insist the dismissal was not triggered by a breakdown in that relationship, they acknowledged that they had “not seen enough signs of evolution or progress” under the Portuguese coach. Still, the timing leaves little doubt that Amorim’s public criticism played a decisive role.
A Fractured Relationship and Mounting Frustration
Amorim’s irritation had been building for days. Ahead of the Leeds match, he expressed frustration at the lack of movement in the January transfer window. After the game, he escalated the confrontation, questioning the club’s direction and Wilcox’s role in it.
United, however, maintain that Amorim was “fully aligned” with their transfer strategy and that the decision to part ways was made to give a “capable and committed squad the best chance of being successful” in the second half of the season.
Mixed Results and an Unfulfilled Project
Amorim arrived in November 2024 as the successor to Erik ten Hag, tasked with modernizing United’s style and restoring competitiveness. But his tenure delivered uneven results:
63 matches in charge
24 wins in all competitions
Just 15 Premier League victories
United currently sixth in the league after eight wins from 20 matches this season
Despite flashes of promise, the team never found sustained momentum, and pressure intensified as performances stagnated.
What Happens Next
United have appointed Darren Fletcher, the club’s Under‑18s coach, to take charge for Wednesday’s trip to Burnley while the search for a permanent replacement begins.
In a brief statement, the club thanked Amorim for his contribution and wished him well, emphasizing that the change was made to maximize the team’s chances of achieving the highest possible league finish.
