Why Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United after just 14 months

Ruben Amorim’s short and turbulent spell at Manchester United has come to an abrupt end, with the Portuguese coach dismissed after just 14 months in charge.

The decision followed a volatile week that culminated in a tense press conference, where Amorim publicly criticised the club’s internal structure and appeared to challenge senior figures behind the scenes. While United cited performance reasons for the change, the timing of the sacking has fuelled speculation that his outspoken comments accelerated the exit.

Amorim leaves Old Trafford with the club sitting sixth in the Premier League, an improvement on the previous season’s 15th-place finish but still well short of expectations at one of football’s biggest brands.

A press conference that changed everything

The final straw appears to have come hours before his dismissal, when Amorim bristled at questions about his future and openly criticised United’s recruitment operation. In unusually blunt remarks, he urged the club’s scouting department and director of football Jason Wilcox to “do their job”.

Sources close to the situation suggested tensions had been building for months, particularly over a lack of clarity around January transfer plans. Amorim had repeatedly hinted at frustration over squad depth while managing injuries and inconsistent form.

His final match in charge

Amorim’s last game as United manager was a 1–1 draw away to Leeds United on January 4. The result extended a run of just one win in five league matches, reinforcing doubts about whether he could push the team into the Champions League places.

What Manchester United said

In a statement announcing the decision, United said the change was made to give the team “the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish”, while thanking Amorim for his contribution and wishing him well for the future.

Who replaces him now?

Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been appointed interim manager with immediate effect as the club weighs up longer-term options.

Reaction from club legends

The sacking sparked instant reaction across football media. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand suggested Amorim’s biggest flaw was a refusal to adapt, adding that his public comments likely hastened his exit. He floated names such as Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and Xavi as possible successors.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said Amorim appeared to be “starting to unleash”, hinting at deeper issues within the club’s hierarchy.

Amorim’s record at Old Trafford

Across 14 months, Amorim oversaw 63 matches, recording 24 wins, 18 draws and 21 defeats. While not disastrous on paper, the lack of a clear upward trajectory and growing friction off the pitch ultimately proved costly.

What’s next for Amorim?

Despite the abrupt ending, Amorim is expected to remain in demand across Europe. At 40, his tactical reputation and previous success suggest this chapter may be less of a downfall and more of a sharp detour in a still-rising managerial career.

Aasiya Nazir