The decision follows Sunday’s (04.01.26) 1-1 draw at Leeds United which left The Red Devils sixth in the Premier League, with the club reportedly concluding Amorim’s position had become untenable after concerns over his behaviour and tactical inflexibility.
In a statement, United said: “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.”
According to Sky Sports, United’s hierarchy were troubled by what they described as Amorim’s “emotional and inconsistent behaviour”, as well as his refusal to significantly adapt his preferred 3-4-3 system despite mixed results.
Those concerns reportedly came to a head during a scheduled meeting with director of football Jason Wilcox on Friday (02.01.26).
Sources indicated Amorim’s response in that meeting was viewed as “very negative and emotional”, prompting further talks with Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada on Monday (05.01.26) morning, after which the decision to dismiss the head coach was taken.
Amorim was appointed in November 2024 on a two-and-a-half-year contract following his success at Sporting CP.
While his tenure included a run to the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao last May, league form this season proved inconsistent, with The Red Devils struggling to build momentum during a congested winter schedule.
Tensions between Amorim and the club’s leadership had been increasingly visible in recent weeks.
Following the draw at Leeds, the Portuguese coach appeared to deliver a pointed message to the hierarchy.
Amorim said: “I notice that you receive selective information about everything.
“I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United.”
Those comments followed remarks made before Christmas in which Amorim suggested he had not received the backing he expected in the transfer market.
He said: “I have the feeling if we have to play a perfect 3-4-3, we need to spend a lot of money and we need time.
“I’m starting to understand that is not going to happen.”
Amorim briefly switched to a back four in the Boxing Day (26.12.25) win over Newcastle, but reverted to a back three for a disappointing draw against Wolves, reinforcing concerns over his willingness to adapt.
Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher - currently the club’s Under-18s coach, will take interim charge.
He will lead the team away to Burnley on Wednesday night (07.01.26).
United said in a statement: “The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution and wishes him well for the future.”
