Manchester United have terminated the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the manager of the Premier League side.
United announced this via a statement issued on Monday.
The club stated: “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.
“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. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”
Sunday’s draw with Leeds made it one win in five games for United, who resume their Premier League campaign against Burnley on Wednesday.
United, however, noted that Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.
There has been growing tension between Amorim and the hierarchy at United, including director of football Jason Wilcox.
While there was disagreement over their January transfer window strategy, there was a wider disagreement about the team’s tactical approach going forward.
Amorim has been bullish about moving away from his preferred 3-4-3 system this season, which is understood to be at the root of an increasingly strained relationship with his bosses.
On transfer window, Amorim wants United to spend to help drive them into the Champions League places, while the club are currently continuing their long-term plan to develop the squad.
From United’s point of view, they are determined to avoid a return to short-term transfer spending and will stick to their long-term financial plan to develop the squad strategically over successive transfer windows, according to Sky Sports.
Three talking points from Premier League
Amorim had claimed that he joined United to be their manager, not their head coach, and suggested that he will leave the club at the end of his contract.
Asked whether he still feels he has the backing of the club’s board during his press conference following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Leeds, Amorim clarified his role at the club having recently hinted at friction behind the scenes over transfers and tactics.
The former Sporting Lisbon boss was unveiled as head coach when he was appointed at Old Trafford in November 2024 on a two-and-a-half-year contract, which is due to expire in June 2027, but, in an apparent message to the hierarchy, he has said he sees himself as manager.
Amorim has struggled to live up to his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches since arriving from Sporting Lisbon.
United, who last won the English title in 2013, are currently outside the Premier League’s top four, having finished 15th last season, when they also lost the Europa League final against Tottenham.
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