Man Utd make instant decision on Ruben Amorim replacement after SACKING manager

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Manchester United are expected to wait until the summer to appoint a permanent replacement for Ruben Amorim after the club made the decision to SACK him on Monday morning.

Amorim's final game of his 14-month spell in charge of United came in the 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Sunday, a result that left them sixth in the Premier League table after 20 matches.

Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher is set to take over on an interim basis, with his first game coming in the trip to Burnley on Wednesday. According to The Athletic , the Red Devils are then 'likely' to wait until the end of the season to appoint a permanent successor for Amorim.

The decision to axe Amorim, 40, has been driven by the club's leadership team, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, after a breakdown in relationship behind the scenes.

A club statement read: "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.

"Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday."

Speaking after Sunday's draw at Leeds, Amorim hinted that there is tension with those working alongside him, making it evident he views himself as the "manager" and not the "coach" at United.

"It's going to be like this for 18 months or when the board decide to change," Amorim added. "That was my point, I want to finish with that. I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me."

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Amorim was appointed as Erik ten Hag's permanent replacement at United in November 2024 after Ruud van Nistelrooy enjoyed a successful four-game reign as interim head coach.

The former Sporting CP boss signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Old Trafford and made a fast start to life at the Red Devils, winning two of his opening three matches in charge.

However, United's form ebbed and flowed from that point on, with the Red Devils progressing in the Europa League but faltering in the Premier League. Indeed, Amorim's side dropped into the bottom half in the top flight and ended up finishing 15th - their lowest-ever finish in 50 years.

But, after United reached the Europa League final, Amorim kept his job and was backed in the summer with the club's board spending more than £200million on new players. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko were the three high-profile players that arrived through the doors.

Although United's Premier League form has improved this season, winning eight and drawing seven of their 20 top-flight fixtures, it hasn't been enough for Amorim to keep his position.

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