Manchester United have confirmed the sacking of Ruben Amorim, bringing a dramatic end to a turbulent spell that unravelled in public view over the weekend.
The decision was first reported on Monday morning by David Ornstein via The Athletic, before United released a club statement confirming Amorim’s departure just hours after his explosive comments following Sunday’s 1–1 draw with Leeds United.
Amorim’s position had become increasingly fragile after a remarkable post-match press conference at Elland Road, where he openly challenged the club’s hierarchy and questioned the limits of his authority.
Ruben Amorim’s explosive press conference
“I just want to say I came here to be the manager, not to be the coach,” Amorim said.
“In every department, the scouting department, the sporting director, they need to do their job. I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on.”
He repeated the message several times, leaving little doubt about his frustration.
“I just want to say that I’m going to be the manager of this team, not just the coach. I was really clear on that. That is going to finish in 18 months and then everyone is going to move on. That was the deal. That is my job. Not to be a coach.”
Amorim also suggested the club had become overly sensitive to criticism from former players and pundits.
Amorim criticises Man United
“If people cannot handle the Gary Nevilles and the criticisms of everything, we need to change the club,” he said.
Those remarks followed earlier admissions of internal disagreement over recruitment and influence, including tensions involving director of football Jason Wilcox. Amorim had previously acknowledged differences of opinion at the board level.
“Sometimes I have one idea, Jason and the board has another idea,” he said last month. “Every decision we make we need to reach a common ground.”
Speaking after Amorim’s comments, Gary Neville suggested the situation had escalated quickly.
“Something has happened in the last week which means that Amorim is starting to unleash a little bit,” Neville said. “It looks to me that he is not happy with something in the hierarchy.”
Manchester United release statement
United moved swiftly on Monday to bring clarity to the situation, releasing the following statement in full:
“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.”
Amorim had insisted on Sunday night that he would not resign, stating: “I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me.”
That replacement process has now begun, with Darren Fletcher set to oversee Wednesday’s trip to Burnley as United attempt to steady themselves after another bruising chapter off the pitch.
