Manchester United have terminated the contract of head coach Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge at Old Trafford. The club's decision, confirmed on Monday 5 January 2026, follows a disappointing sequence of results and a public outburst from the Portuguese manager.
The Final Straw: Comments After Leeds Draw
The immediate catalyst for Amorim's dismissal was his explosive reaction following Sunday's Premier League draw with Leeds United. In a post-match interview, the 41-year-old launched a fierce critique of the club's hierarchy, accusing them of interfering with his managerial duties. This public airing of grievances proved to be the final straw for the United board.
A Turbulent Reign at Old Trafford
Amorim's tenure, which began in November 2024 after his appointment by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, failed to live up to expectations. Hired on the back of a successful spell at Sporting CP, he was tasked with reviving the club's fortunes following the sacking of Erik ten Hag. His contract was set to run until the summer of 2027.
However, he struggled to translate his previous success to Manchester. A key point of contention was his rigid adherence to a 3-4-2-1 formation, a system he persisted with despite it yielding inconsistent performances. Under his leadership, the team has slumped to sixth place in the Premier League, a staggering 17 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Official Dismissal and Immediate Aftermath
The official termination occurred on Monday morning after a decisive meeting with key football executives Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada. The club has moved swiftly to end what has been described as a "miserable reign."
The search for a permanent successor will now begin in earnest, as United look to salvage their season and secure a coveted Champions League qualification spot. The dismissal marks another chapter of instability at the club, raising serious questions about the long-term strategy and direction under the current ownership structure.
