Manchester United has sacked head coach Ruben Amorim, ending his 14-month tenure at Old Trafford. The club announced the decision on Monday, January 5, 2026, after a period of disappointing results and growing internal tensions. United currently sits in sixth place in the Premier League table.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} ### Amorim's Short Stint at Old Trafford Amorim, 40, joined Manchester United in November 2024, arriving with significant fanfare after a successful spell at Sporting CP.^[7][2][8][4] He took over from Erik ten Hag, who had extended his contract until June 2026 just months before Amorim's appointment.^{[9][10][11][12][13]} The Portuguese manager was tasked with revitalizing the team and challenging for top honors. His initial contract with United was set to run until 2027.^[7][14] During his time, Amorim led Manchester United to the UEFA Europa League final in May 2025. However, the team lost the final to Tottenham Hotspur, which meant they missed out on a Champions League spot for the current season.^{[1][2][14][15][16][17][4]} Domestically, his first full season saw United finish a disappointing 15th in the Premier League, their worst performance in 51 years.^[15][16][4] This marked a significant downturn in the club's fortunes. ### Performance and Tensions Amorim's overall record at Manchester United across all competitions stands at 24 wins, 18 draws, and 21 losses from 63 games. This translates to a 38.1% win rate.^[2][15][16] In the Premier League, his record was even less favorable, with 15 wins, 13 draws, and 19 losses in 47 matches, resulting in a 31.9% win rate.^[15][16] The team also held a negative goal difference in Premier League play, scoring 56 goals and conceding 72 under his leadership.^[15] Sources indicate that Amorim's "emotional and inconsistent behaviour" became a key factor in the club's decision.^[18] His refusal to adapt and evolve his preferred 3-4-3 tactical system also led to a breakdown in confidence among the club's leadership.^[18] Tensions escalated in recent weeks, particularly regarding transfer plans for the January window.^{[14][19][4][5]} After a 1-1 draw against Leeds United on January 4, 2026, Amorim held a fiery news conference.^{[7][2][14][19][4][5]} He publicly stated, "I came here to be the manager of the Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United."^[14][19] He also reportedly called out the scouting department and director of football Jason Wilcox to "do their job."^[4][5] These comments further highlighted the strained relationship between the coach and the club's hierarchy.^[14][19] ### Immediate Future and Successor Search Darren Fletcher, currently the club's under-18s head coach and a former United midfielder, will take interim charge of the team.^{[1][2][14][17][20][4]} His first game will be against Burnley on Wednesday, January 7.^{[21][1][2][17][22][4]} The club's leadership stated they made the change to give the team "the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish."^{[1][2][17][4][5]} Manchester United will now begin the search for a permanent successor. Several names have emerged as potential candidates for the role. These include Enzo Maresca, who recently left Chelsea, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, and former England manager Gareth Southgate.^[14][4] The club aims to find a new leader who can bring stability and consistent performance to the squad. The challenges for the new manager include improving the team's cohesion and converting chances into goals, as these were identified as issues during Amorim's tenure.^[23] The dismissal of Amorim marks another chapter in Manchester United's ongoing quest to reclaim its position at the top of English and European football.

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