In a dramatic turn of events, Manchester United have terminated the contract of head coach Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge at Old Trafford. The decision was confirmed by the club on Monday, January 5, 2026, following a 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United that left the team languishing in sixth place after 20 matches.
Fletcher Steps In as Interim Manager
The Red Devils moved swiftly to appoint a familiar face to steady the ship. Former midfielder and current Under-18 coach Darren Fletcher has been named as the interim manager with immediate effect. His first task will be to lead the team in their away fixture against Burnley on Wednesday night.
Fletcher's appointment is seen as a temporary measure to provide stability while the club's leadership, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, begins the search for a permanent successor. The interim boss inherits a squad that has shown flashes of talent but has been plagued by inconsistency, with the club also suffering early exits from all domestic cup competitions this season.
What Led to Amorim's Sudden Exit?
Amorim's tenure, which began in November 2024 after a €11 million move from Sporting CP, was marked by growing tension. Reports indicate his departure was driven by tactical inflexibility and significant disagreements behind the scenes. The Portuguese coach was heavily criticised for his persistent use of a 3-4-3 formation, even in key matches where it proved ineffective.
Further strain came from disputes over squad construction and a perceived lack of backing in the transfer market. In comments made just before his sacking, Amorim hinted at these frustrations, stating he wanted to work as a "manager, not a coach," and suggested he might leave when his contract expired in 2027. The club, however, decided to act sooner, opting to pay out the remainder of his deal which lacked a release clause.
Fan Reaction and Future Speculation
The news of Amorim's sacking sent shockwaves through the Manchester United fanbase on social media. Many supporters expressed disbelief at the short-lived nature of another managerial project, with some lamenting the lack of patience shown by the club's hierarchy. Others, however, acknowledged the poor results and supported the change.
With the search for a permanent manager now open, speculation is already linking high-profile names to the hot seat. Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has been mentioned as a potential candidate, having been out of management since 2021. The pressure is now on Darren Fletcher to deliver immediate results and improve United's league position as they chase a coveted return to the UEFA Champions League.
