Ruben Amorim Sacked by Manchester United After Turbulent 14 Months

 In a move that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Manchester United have officially parted ways with head coach Ruben Amorim just 14 months after his highly anticipated arrival from Sporting CP. The decision comes on the heels of a frustrating 1-1 draw against Leeds United, followed by Amorim's explosive post-match comments that appeared to challenge the club's hierarchy.

The club's statement was succinct: "Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United. 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." Former United midfielder and current academy coach Darren Fletcher has been appointed as interim manager, with his first game in charge coming midweek against Burnley.A Promising Start That Quickly SouredAmorim was heralded as the bright young tactician who could finally steer United out of their post-Sir Alex Ferguson wilderness when he joined in November 2024. His success at Sporting—winning multiple Primeira Liga titles with an attractive, high-pressing 3-4-3 system—made him an exciting choice.There were early highlights: a Europa League final appearance in May 2025 (ultimately lost to Tottenham) and some memorable wins, including a rare victory at Anfield. But consistency eluded the team. Last season ended in a disastrous 15th-place finish—the club's lowest in the Premier League era—with no trophies and no European football.This season offered fleeting hope, but poor results persisted. United's stubborn adherence to Amorim's back-three formation drew criticism, as did a perceived lack of adaptability. Heavy spending in the summer (over £200m on players like Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha) failed to deliver sustained improvement.

The Final Straw: A Power Struggle Goes PublicTensions had been simmering for months, particularly around transfers and tactical control. Reports highlight a strained relationship with director of football Jason Wilcox, who favors a different playing style.Amorim's post-Leeds press conference proved fatal. Frustrated by limited January activity, he declared: "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United—not to be the coach." He emphasized his desire for full control and hinted at leaving when his contract expires in 18 months.Less than 24 hours later, the board acted. Sources describe the decision as stemming from a breakdown in relations, compounded by Amorim's public challenges to the club's modern "head coach" structure under INEOS ownership.Amorim leaves with a win percentage of around 38%—one of the lowest in United's post-Ferguson era—and the worst goals-conceded record in the Premier League for any Red Devils boss.





Darren Fletcher steps in as interim boss—a club legend tasked with steadying the ship.What Next for Manchester United?This is the seventh managerial change since Ferguson's retirement in 2013, underscoring the club's ongoing instability. With Fletcher at the helm until at least the summer, speculation is already rife about a permanent successor. Names like Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, and even Eddie Howe have been mentioned, but United's leadership seems in no rush.For fans, it's another chapter in a decade of disappointment. The question remains: Can anyone restore the glory days at Old Trafford, or is deeper structural change needed?One thing is certain—Manchester United's managerial merry-go-round shows no signs of stopping.