Ruben Amorim has been dismissed by Manchester United after just 14 months in charge, and Nuno Espirito Santo has admitted feeling both shocked and disappointed by the decision. The Portuguese coach leaves with United still close to the Champions League places, yet burdened by poor statistics and early cup elimination that proved difficult to ignore.
Amorim’s position came under intense scrutiny following a 1-1 draw away to Leeds United, when comments were seen as criticism of the club’s hierarchy. The stalemate formed part of an uneven run of results, and United have reacted by removing the 40-year-old from the head coach role on Monday, despite the team’s improved league position this campaign.
West Ham manager Nuno is also battling pressure
after a difficult spell since arriving in September, yet expressed sympathy for a compatriot experiencing similar scrutiny. Asked about the sacking, Nuno replied: "Like everybody, I was surprised and sad, Nuno said when asked for his reaction to the news. He is Portuguese [like me]. He is a young manager, but this is what it isI think we are aware that this is how the industry works. "
Nuno was then questioned on what guidance could help Amorim recover from this setback, drawing on longer experience across different leagues. The West Ham manager replied: "[Bouncing back] is what you have to do. Go back home, reset, and get ready for the next challenge. The ups and downsthis is life. " Nuno himself had been dismissed by Nottingham Forest earlier in the same Premier League season.
Amorim is the sixth manager to lose a Premier League job this season, with Nuno the first departure when Forest acted earlier in the campaign. During Amorim’s United tenure across all competitions, the team played 63 matches, winning 24, drawing 18 and losing 21, numbers that created constant debate among supporters and analysts.
United’s performances last season under Amorim were especially difficult, as the club endured its worst Premier League campaign in 2024-25. That year brought a 15th-place finish, only 42 points and 44 league goals, all the lowest totals in the club’s Premier League history. The coach’s final home fixture saw United held by struggling Wolves, underlining persistent issues at Old Trafford.
Amorim’s overall league record also compared poorly with predecessors, despite some better results this season. United remain just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, yet inconsistency persisted. In 47 Premier League matches, Amorim oversaw only 15 victories, giving a 32% win rate, the lowest for any Manchester United manager in the competition’s era.
| Ruben Amorim at Manchester United | All competitions | Premier League |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 63 | 47 |
| Wins | 24 | 15 |
| Draws | 18 | - |
| Losses | 21 | - |
| Win percentage | - | 32% |
The cup exit to lower-league opposition also weighed heavily. United were knocked out of the EFL Cup by League Two club Grimsby Town, a result that drew strong criticism. Statistical analysis further highlighted struggles, with data specialists noting Amorim’s high defeat count during the Premier League spell.
19 - During Rben Amorim's time in the Premier League, the only manager to lose more games than he did (19) was Ange Postecoglou (21). Finalists. pic.twitter.com/wzFiw2xvz2OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 5, 2026
Ruben Amorim departure and Manchester United search for successor
Manchester United are expected to appoint a caretaker head coach until the end of the current season. Former midfielder Darren Fletcher, who has worked in several technical and coaching roles at Old Trafford, is handling first-team duties temporarily while the club explores long-term options for the position.
Several candidates have already been linked with the Manchester United vacancy following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca feature among the early names. Reports also mention ex-Barcelona manager Xavi and former England manager Gareth Southgate as possible contenders for one of the most high-profile jobs in European football.
The schedule remains demanding for both clubs connected to this story. United travel to Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday, starting life after Amorim in competitive action. Nuno, meanwhile, is preparing West Ham for a key home meeting with relegation rivals Forest, the club that previously dismissed Nuno earlier this season, adding further intrigue to a crucial fixture.
