Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United and given his marching orders on Monday, but will leave Old Trafford for a huge fee after just 14 months’ service.
Ruben Amorim was sacked as head coach on Monday after just 14 months in charge and left Manchester United for a £10m fee, a decision that ultimately cost the club dearly.
Tensions behind the scenes reached a fever pitch as Amorim and director of football Jason Wilcox clashed over several issues, including playing style. The Portuguese head coach made some of his frustrations public after Sunday’s draw with Leeds and was given his marching orders less than 24 hours later.
His sacking means United have spent a staggering £27m on Amorim’s signing and release. He has been identified as the replacement for Erik ten Hag, who is coming off an impressive spell at Sporting Lisbon. In the winter of 2024, United bought out his contract in Lisbon for £8.3m and paid him a further £900,000 to allow him to start work early. When he arrived, he signed a £6.5m-a-year contract and was due to remain in Manchester until June 2027.
United will also have to compensate the five-man backroom team who followed him from Portugal, the Daily Mail reports. History will not look kindly on this investment, as Amorim won just 25 of his 63 games as manager, the team’s worst record in the Premier League era.
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He leaves the club in 6th place, just 3 points behind the top four. However, performances in recent weeks have continued to fall below the required standard, particularly in home draws against West Ham and Wolves. Amorim has shown some tactical flexibility recently, returning to a 3-4-3 formation, but it has not been successful.
United have announced that former player and Under-18 manager Darren Fletcher has been appointed interim manager for Wednesday night’s trip to Burnley. United want to name an interim manager until the end of the season, before appointing a permanent manager in the summer.
Several names have been mooted, but Gary Neville insists the Red Devils need to bring in someone who reflects the club’s DNA, as they are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the number of picks in the dugout.
“The experiment has to stop,” he told Sky Sports. “I’ve always been proud of what this club is: adventurous and exciting football, playing young players and entertaining the spectators. They have to have the courage to take risks and play attacking and aggressive football.”
“United have reached a stage where they need a manager who fits the DNA of the football club. Barcelona will never change for anyone. I don’t think United should change for anyone. The club must look for a manager who is experienced, fast, interesting, aggressive and willing to play attacking football.”
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