Africa-Press – Mauritius. Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Ruben Amorim, ending the Portuguese manager’s 14-month reign at Old Trafford.
According to Sky Sports News, the club identified emotional and inconsistent behaviour as a major factor in the decision, following a deterioration in trust between the coach and the United hierarchy.
Sources also revealed that his refusal to adapt from his preferred 3-4-3 formation contributed to a breakdown in confidence from senior football leadership.
Amorim was scheduled for a high-level tactical review meeting with Director of Football Jason Wilcox on Friday, where the team’s approach was discussed extensively.
However, United chiefs reportedly found his reaction overly emotional and negative, heightening concerns around his ability to evolve the team’s tactical direction.
The final decision was made during a Monday morning meeting involving Wilcox and Chief Executive Omar Berrada, where Amorim’s position was deemed untenable, with the club concluding that a leadership change was necessary to safeguard their Premier League ambitions.
Despite the club’s stance, Amorim is said to feel let down by the lack of backing from the hierarchy and had already sensed his exit was imminent.
Insiders close to the 40-year-old claim he was frustrated by the internal dynamics at United, describing a club environment where, in his view, “there are many managers outside the club creating noise,” stressing the importance of shielding the team from external pressure.
The former Sporting CP boss had remained optimistic about United’s top-four hopes, believing the club could still secure Champions League qualification from their current sixth-place position.
He also expected an upturn in form once key players returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Amorim had openly pushed for experienced reinforcements in the January transfer window, specifically requesting the signing of a proven Premier League striker, arguing the squad needed one or two senior additions to spark a late charge for Europe’s elite competition.
Amorim’s final match in charge was Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Leeds United, bringing the curtain down on a spell defined by bold tactical ideas but growing internal discord.
The club confirmed the dismissal shortly after 10am on Monday, issuing a statement that read:
“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.”
United have appointed former midfielder and current U18s coach Darren Fletcher as interim head coach.
Fletcher will take charge for the club’s next fixture, a Premier League clash against Burnley on Wednesday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Manchester United will then return to Old Trafford on Sunday for an FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton, as the club begins its search for a permanent successor.
Amorim, meanwhile, is determined to resume his managerial career soon, insisting he will continue to stand by his football principles.
