Ruben Amorim was sacked as Manchester United manager on Monday morning, just 14 months into his reign at Old Trafford, and he was pictured with a smile hours later
Ruben Amorim was seen grinning just hours after his dismissal from Manchester United. The club confirmed on Monday morning that Amorim’s 14-month tenure had come to an end.
The 40-year-old manager had publicly criticised the board following the 1-1 draw against Leeds, suggesting they should concentrate on their own roles amidst escalating tensions. He was shown the door less than 24 hours after that press conference.
Later on Monday, Amorim was spotted leaving his Cheshire home with a smile on his face, accompanied by his wife, Maria Joao Diogo. Despite his recent job loss at Old Trafford, the Portuguese appeared to be in good spirits as he ventured out into the snow.
It’s believed that Amorim left his house for a stroll and exchanged friendly words with photographers.
The official statement from the club regarding Amorim’s exit read: “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as head coach of Manchester United.
“Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May. 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.
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future. Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.”
Amorim took the reins at United from Sporting Lisbon in November 2024. He presided over United’s worst season in 51 years, culminating in a loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
In the Premier League, Amorim had the poorest win ratio (32%), the highest goals conceded per game ratio (1.53) and the lowest clean sheet ratio (15%) of any United manager in history.
Amorim’s sacking came after his outburst in his post-match press conference at Elland Road, where he fumed: “I just want to say that I came here to be the manager of Manchester United – not the head coach. That’s going to finish in 18 months, and then everyone is going to move on. That’s the deal, that’s my job.
“I know my name is not (Thomas) Tuchel, is not (Antonio) Conte and is not (Jose) Mourinho. But I am the manager of Manchester United and it is going to be like this for 18 months, or (until) when the board decides to change.”
He added: “It’s going to be like this until the board decide to change. I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy comes to replace me.
“If people cannot handle the Gary Nevilles and the critics of everything, we need to change the club. I just want to say that. I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach.
“And every department, the scouting department, the sporting director, needs to do their job. I will do mine for 18 months and then we will watch.”