Ruben Amorim Sacked Following Explosive Comments on Board and Transfers
Manchester United have officially sacked Ruben Amorim, who served as manager for 14 months, amid escalating tension with the club hierarchy, particularly director of football Jason Wilcox.
The decisive factor was a 1–1 draw with Leeds United on 4 January 2026, after which Amorim publicly criticised the board and their transfer policy. He declared:
“I am the manager, not the coach. I need to make the decisions for my squad, not just pick the team. If I cannot control transfers, I cannot succeed here.”
Sources confirm that this explosive statement forced the club’s hand, though the breakdown in relations had been building over months due to disagreements over player signings, squad management, and overall authority. The board reportedly viewed his comments as undermining their authority and potentially damaging the club’s reputation.
Amorim departs with a record of 25 wins, 15 draws, and 23 losses in 63 matches, averaging 1.43 points per game, the lowest for any Manchester United manager this century. Despite occasional victories, the lack of alignment with the board and public criticism of leadership made his position untenable.
In response, Manchester United have appointed Darren Fletcher, the Under-18s coach, as interim manager, who will lead the team in Wednesday’s Premier League match against Burnley. The club stated: “This decision is aimed at giving Manchester United the best opportunity for the highest possible Premier League finish.”
Amorim’s departure underscores the importance of managerial autonomy at elite clubs and the risks of public disputes with directors, particularly at Old Trafford, where tensions between manager and board can escalate rapidly.
