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Ruben Amorim pictured with beaming smile as he breaks cover after Man Utd axe
Jan 05 2026 16:16 · By Steven Railston/and/Isaac Seelochan/Senior Sports Journalist · 45 Reads
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Ruben Amorim was seen grinning from ear to ear, just hours after his dismissal as Manchester United 's head coach. The club confirmed on Monday morning that Amorim had been let go after a 14-month tenure.
The 40-year-old had publicly criticised the board in a post-match press conference following the Leeds game, suggesting they should concentrate on their own roles amidst escalating tensions. He was given his marching orders within 24 hours of those comments.
Later on Monday, Amorim was spotted leaving his Cheshire home with his wife, Maria Joao Diogo, looking surprisingly cheerful despite his recent job loss at Old Trafford. It appears the Portuguese coach took the news in stride, even managing to exchange friendly banter with photographers during a leisurely walk in the snow .
The official statement from the club 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.
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"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."
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Amorim, who was brought in from Sporting Lisbon in November 2024, presided over United's most disastrous season in 51 years, culminating in a loss against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
In the Premier League, Amorim holds the dubious distinction of having the worst win ratio (32%), the highest goals conceded per game ratio (1.53), and the lowest clean sheet ratio (15%) of any United manager in history.
Former Red Devils midfielder and current Under-18s head coach Darren Fletcher has been placed in temporary charge of first-team affairs at United.
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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and ex-Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca have been among the names linked with succeeding Amorim on a permanent basis.
The Red Devils take a break from Premier League action after Wednesday's game against Burnley as they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.