LONDON: Ruben Amorim’s turbulent 14-month reign as Manchester United manager came to an abrupt end on Monday, a day after the Portuguese coach defiantly defended his position following a disappointing 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United.
United confirmed the decision in a statement, saying the club had “reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change” with the team sitting sixth in the table. The leadership added that the move was aimed at giving the squad “the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.”
Amorim, 40, was appointed in November 2024 to replace Erik ten Hag but endured a difficult first season, finishing 15th — United’s worst league placing since their 1974 relegation — and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. While results have improved marginally this campaign, United are sixth after 20 matches, 17 points behind leaders Arsenal, having won just three of their last 11 games.
The draw against Leeds proved decisive, sparking a fiery press conference in which the usually mild-mannered Amorim bristled at questions over his future. He insisted he arrived at Old Trafford with full authority as manager, not merely as a coach taking instructions, and vowed he would not walk away.
Less than 24 hours later, United’s hierarchy chose a different path, bringing Amorim’s outspoken and often uneasy tenure to a close as the club looks once again for stability on and off the pitch.
