A defiant Amorim goes into battle: “I’m the manager, not the coach.”
Video credit: SNTV
The club have announced that Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.
A statement released by the club on Monday morning said: “With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership have reluctantly decided that the time is right to make a change.”
“This will give the team the best opportunity to achieve the best results in the Premier League.
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
There is believed to have been a rift between Amorim and director of football Jason Wilcox behind the scenes. Amorim made inflammatory comments following Leeds’ result, claiming he could “move on” after his contract ends in 18 months.
“That’s clear. I know my name is not (Thomas) Tuchel, (Jose) Mourinho or (Antonio) Conte, but I am the manager.
“This will continue for 18 months, or until the board decides to make a change. I’m not quitting. I’m going to work until someone else comes here to replace me.”
Asked about his transfer policy, he said: “Every department has to do their job: the scouting department, the sporting director. I’m going to do my job for 18 months and then take the next step.”
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A defiant Amorim goes into battle: “I’m the manager, not the coach.”
Video credit: SNTV
Amorim joined United on 1 November 2024 after the club paid over £9 million for his hire from Sporting.
He won the Primeira Liga title twice, in 2021 and 2024, and also won the Taca da Liga twice.
However, the Portuguese oversaw United’s lowest finish in the Premier League, finishing 15th with 42 points last season.
United also lost in the Europa League final and Amorim failed to spark a comeback after spending big in the summer, including the signings of Benjamin Sesco, Brian Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
The club lost to Tottenham Hotspring Bilbao, missing out on a European football championship for the first time since 2014.
This season has been United’s worst start to the season since the 1992-93 season, with just seven points from their opening six Premier League games.
Things were further complicated by an embarrassing Carabao Cup defeat at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town in August.
Amorim was regularly criticized for his tactical inflexibility during his time at the club, preferring a 3-4-3 set-up and although he found success at Sporting, he had little success at Old Trafford.
Amorim adopted a 4-2-3-1 in the 1-0 win against Newcastle United on 26 December, but four days later he switched back to a 3-4-3 and played in a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
United are currently searching for their seventh full-time manager since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013 to end his legendary 26-year tenure at the club.
