Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Manchester United officially announced the dismissal of Ruben Amorim as manager on Monday, January 5, 2026 after Amorim had served 14 months as manager of the club.
This news was first reported by journalist and transfer expert, Fabrizio Romani, via X.
This drastic measure was taken following Manchester United's 1-1 draw against Leeds United the previous Sunday, which left the club stuck in sixth place in the Premier League table which extended a list of unsatisfactory performances under Ruben Amorim's leadership.
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In response to the managerial vacancy, Manchester United immediately appointed former player and academy coach, Darren Fletcher, as interim head coach.
“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," Manchester United management said as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Rúben Amorim has just been SACKED by Manchester United.Decision made this morning. pic.twitter.com/Xmz3x8mkO6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2026
Reasons for Ruben Amorim's Dismissal from Old Trafford
"I came here to be the manager, not the coach!" 👔Ruben Amorim came out with a strong press conference following Man United's draw 😳 pic.twitter.com/f68YShkQiC
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 4, 2026
Several key factors contributed to Ruben Amorim's dismissal from Manchester United.
One of the most crucial was the growing tension between Amorim and the club's director of football, Jason Wilcox.
This dispute primarily centered on player transfer policy, where Amorim felt he lacked full support in making key squad decisions.
Amorim even openly criticized the club's hierarchy after the match against Leeds, stating that he had come to be Manchester United's "manager," not just a "coach."
He demanded more power and authority over team operations.
In addition to internal issues, the team's inconsistent performance was also a strong factor.
During his tenure, Amorim recorded 24 wins, 18 draws, and 21 losses in a total of 63 matches across all competitions.
Amorim's win rate was just 38%, the worst record for a Manchester United manager in the Premier League era since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
The club even finished 15th in the Premier League in the 2024-2025 season under his leadership.
Amorim's controversial comments in the post-match press conference against Leeds further exacerbated the situation.
He hinted at the possibility of "moving on" when his contract expires in 2027, regardless of results.
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Darren Fletcher Takes Over as Interim Manager
🚨 OFFICIAL: Darren Fletcher takes over Manchester United on interim basis after Rúben Amorim is sacked. pic.twitter.com/T2l8oS54GE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2026
Following the surprising decision to sack Ruben Amorim, Manchester United moved quickly by appointing Darren Fletcher as interim head coach.
Fletcher is no stranger to the club. He is a dedicated former Manchester United player and possesses a deep understanding of the club's philosophy.
Prior to this appointment, Fletcher served as an academy coach and manager of the club's U-18 team, demonstrating his commitment to youth development.
This experience is expected to bring a fresh perspective and positive energy to the struggling first-team squad. He will lead the team in their next crucial match against Burnley on Wednesday.
In an official statement, Manchester United stated that these changes were made to give the team the best possible chance of finishing as high as possible in the Premier League.
The club also thanked Ruben Amorim for his contributions during his time as manager. The focus now shifts to finishing the season on a positive note under Fletcher's interim leadership.
Waiting Next Season for New Manager?
Although the management has appointed Darren Fletcher as interim manager, replacing Ruben Amorim, they have yet to announce a permanent replacement.
In fact, rumors are circulating that Manchester United will only appoint a new manager in the 2026/2027 season.
This has led many fans to speculate about who will take over as Manchester United's next manager. Names like Julian Nagelsmann, Xavi, and Enzo Maresca, who has been recently sacked by Chelsea, been mentioned as potential candidates.
Who do you think is the next manager suitable to take over at Manchester United?
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