Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United on Monday morning after 14 months as head coach, following a power struggle over transfer policy. Darren Fletcher, the under-18s coach and former United midfielder, takes over as interim head coach and will lead the side at Burnley on Wednesday, potentially remaining for Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Brighton.
United are undecided on a permanent replacement, with the process led by director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada. Options for a temporary coach include Fletcher or Michael Carrick, while permanent candidates of interest are Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, and the unemployed Enzo Maresca. Thomas Tuchel, now England manager, is considered an outside prospect due to his World Cup commitments.
Amorim’s frustration with the club’s structure, where Wilcox and Berrada hold higher status on football policy, was a key factor in his removal. He publicly stated, “I came here to be the manager of Manchester United – not to be the coach,” after a draw with Leeds, and criticised the hierarchy’s reluctance to back him in the January transfer window. The club insisted he was given full backing, pointing to £250 million spent since his appointment.
Amorim was appointed on 1 November 2024 and oversaw United’s lowest Premier League finish – 15th – last season, as well as losing the Europa League final to Tottenham. This season, United were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby. The club stated the change was made to give the team the best chance of a high Premier League finish.
