Manchester United has announced the immediate departure of head coach Ruben Amorim after 14 months in charge, prompting the appointment of Darren Fletcher as interim manager. The decision follows a string of disappointing results and a reported power struggle between Amorim and the club's hierarchy.

Amorim's exit comes after a 1-1 draw against Leeds United, with reports suggesting his frustration with the club's transfer policy and tactical inflexibility contributed to his dismissal. The club's leadership, including Director of Football Jason Wilcox and Chief Executive Omar Berrada, apparently grew concerned over Amorim's reluctance to adapt his tactics and his public criticism of the club's recruitment department. Manchester United stated that the decision to remove Amorim was made to give the team the best opportunity for a strong Premier League finish.

Darren Fletcher, a former Manchester United midfielder and current Under-18s coach, will take charge as interim head coach. Fletcher's first match in charge will be against Burnley on Wednesday, and he could also lead the team in the FA Cup tie against Brighton. This appointment comes despite Fletcher's previous reservations about appointing interim managers. In 2019, he stated that Manchester United "shouldn't really be appointing an interim manager," expressing concern about potentially hindering long-term rebuilding efforts.

The club has not yet decided whether to appoint a permanent manager for the rest of the season or wait until the summer. Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada will lead the search for a permanent replacement. Potential candidates include Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace, Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, and Enzo Maresca, who is currently unemployed. Former Barcelona coach Xavi has also expressed interest in the role.

Amorim's tenure saw Manchester United finish sixth in the Premier League and reach the UEFA Europa League Final. However, his tactics, particularly his reliance on a back-three formation, and his downplaying of the academy players were met with increasing criticism. The club had spent £250m since Amorim's appointment, indicating their initial support for his vision.

Fletcher, who has been involved with Manchester United's coaching setup since 2020, faces the challenge of revitalizing the team and potentially influencing the club's decision on a long-term managerial appointment. He will be the fifth former Manchester United player under Sir Alex Ferguson to take on the role of interim manager, following in the footsteps of Ryan Giggs, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, and Ruud van Nistelrooy.