Manchester United Sacks Ruben Amorim After Just 14 Months, Fletcher Steps In

The Portuguese manager's strained relationship with club officials and a lack of "progress" cited as United, sitting sixth, makes an abrupt change.

Douglas Masveta

January 05, 2026

1 min read

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Manchester United have parted ways with manager Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge, with former player Darren Fletcher set to take temporary control for Wednesday's Premier League match against Burnley.

The club announced the decision on Monday, less than a day after Amorim's latest public comments hinted at deep fractures between himself and the United hierarchy.

Amorim's departure follows a 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Sunday, after which the 40-year-old Portuguese suggested he would not be "fully backed" in the transfer market and expressed a desire to work as a manager with full control, "not the coach." He also indicated a readiness to leave when his contract expired in 2026. Follow & Share Our WhatsApp Channel

In a statement, the club said, "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."

Sources have told BBC Sport that the club's decision stemmed from a belief that there had not been "sufficient evidence of evolution or progress" under Amorim's leadership this season.

Appointed in November 2024, Amorim won 25 of his 63 games in charge. His 14-month tenure now stands as the shortest for a permanent United manager since David Moyes was dismissed eight months into his role in 2014.

The club thanked Amorim for his contribution and wished him well for the future. All eyes now turn to Darren Fletcher's interim stewardship and the looming search for a new permanent leader at Old Trafford.