Ruben Amorim's tenure as Manchester United's head coach has come to an abrupt end, lasting only 14 months. The club announced his departure on January 5, 2026, with immediate effect. Amorim's exit follows a power struggle with the club's hierarchy over transfer policy, exacerbated by public criticism of the recruitment department after a 1-1 draw against Leeds.

Amorim, who took the reins on November 1, 2024, had a contract until 2027. His initial months showed promise, including a 4-0 Premier League victory against Everton and a first away win against Liverpool since 2016. These successes even earned him the Premier League Manager of the Month award. He also led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final. However, the early optimism soon faded as inconsistencies and disagreements emerged.

The catalyst for Amorim's downfall appears to be a clash over transfer strategy. Reports suggest Amorim wanted more control over signings and expressed frustration with the club's recruitment process. This disagreement reached a boiling point after the draw with Leeds, where Amorim publicly challenged his colleagues to "do their job".

Prior to joining Manchester United, Amorim had a successful stint at Sporting CP, where he ended the club's 19-year league title drought and won the Primeira Liga Manager of the Year award twice. His achievements in Portugal led to high expectations upon his arrival at Old Trafford. However, replicating that success in the Premier League proved challenging.

As of his departure, Manchester United was in sixth place in the league. The club has not yet announced a permanent replacement, but Darren Fletcher is expected to take over on an interim basis. The search for a new manager will likely focus on candidates who align with the club's long-term vision and are willing to work within the existing structure. Amorim's exit marks another chapter of instability for Manchester United, as they seek to regain their position among Europe's elite clubs.