Manchester United officially terminated the contract of head coach Ruben Amorim yesterday, January 5, 2026, ending a chaotic and historic period of decline for the Red Devils. Amorim leaves Old Trafford with a win percentage of just 31.9%, the lowest of any permanent manager in the club’s Premier League history, following a final 1–1 draw against Leeds United.
The “Rock Bottom” Moments
The Grimsby Disgrace: In August 2025, United suffered what is widely considered their most embarrassing result ever—a 2–2 draw followed by a 12–11 penalty shootout loss to fourth-tier Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
European Heartbreak: Amorim guided United to the 2025 Europa League Final in Bilbao, only to lose 1–0 to Tottenham Hotspur. The defeat was a double blow, as it barred the club from all European competition for the current 2025/26 season.
Domestic Decay: Under Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, United limped to a 15th-place finish in the 2024/25 season—their lowest league standing in over half a century.
The Final Act
The manager’s departure was triggered as much by off-field friction as on-field results. In his final press conference on Sunday, a defiant Amorim targeted the club’s hierarchy, stating he was brought in to be “the manager, not the coach,” and criticized the scouting and recruitment departments. This public breakdown in relations with the INEOS-led board made his position untenable.
Interim Leadership
The club confirmed that Darren Fletcher will take immediate interim charge. His first test comes tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7, as United travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley, currently sitting 6th in the Premier League table.
