Breaking: Manchester United sack head coach Ruben Amorim after 14 months in Charge

Manchester United have sacked their head coach, Ruben Amorim, on Monday (January 5), the club announced.

The Portuguese manager, who joined the Red Devils 14 months ago, has been shown the door after a series

of underwhelming performances.

Amorim joined from Sporting CP in November 2024, and he was informed of the decision on Monday morning in a meeting with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.

The sacking comes immediately after United's 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Sunday, which left them sixth in the league table after 20 matches.

Amorim's departure stems from escalating tensions over transfer policy and recruitment. In a post-match outburst at Elland Road, the 40-year-old publicly criticized the club's scouting and recruitment team, demanding they "do their job" and insisting he be treated as the "manager, not the coach. "

In an official statement, Manchester United described the move as "reluctant" but necessary to "give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish. "

"Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United. Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May," the statement read.

The Red Devils have struggled this season, sitting well off the pace set by title challengers, despite heavy investment in the squad under the INEOS regime. Amorim's tenure included a disappointing 15th-place finish in the previous campaign, marking the club's worst league position in decades.

Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, currently the under-18s coach, is set to step in as interim manager. His first game will be Wednesday's Premier League clash against Burnley at Turf Moor.