Ruben Amorim: Leeds United draw proves to be final straw as Manchester United sack head coach
Manchester United have sacked Ruben Amorim following the club’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
The 40-year-old was handed the reins at Old Trafford in November, becoming the latest manager to be tasked with reviving the Red Devils.
It has not worked out for the former Sporting Lisbon boss, who was in the dugout at Elland Road yesterday (January 4).
His side could only escape West Yorkshire with a point after Matheus Cunha cancelled out Brenden Aaronson’s opener.
Ruben Amorim exit confirmed
A club statement read: “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.”
Manchester United have spent considerably more than Leeds over the the years but were arguably fortunate to avoid defeat to the Whites.
Daniel Farke’s side have shown admirable spirit of late and also managed to hold Liverpool to a draw on New Year’s Day.
Manchester United, however, have faced stern criticism for their inability to get back in contention for the Premier League title.
Ruben Amorim’s parting shot
In an explosive press conference at Elland Road, Amorim said: "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United not to be the coach of Manchester United – that is clear.
"I know my name is not [Thomas] Tuchel, [Antonio] Conte or [Jose] Mourinho, but I'm the manager of Manchester United. It's going to be like this for 18 months (the length of his contract) or when the board decides to change.
"I'm not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy comes here to replace me. Then, everyone is going to move on.
"Every department needs to do their job – the scouting department, the sporting director needs to do their job, I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on."