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Manchester United is seeking a new manager once again after Ruben Amorim was sacked following Sunday’s draw against Leeds. Appointed only 14 months ago to replace Erik ten Hag, Amorim’s departure follows a reported breakdown in communication with CEO Omar Berrada and the club’s top hierarchy. Despite delivering a mid-table position of sixth after 20 games, Amorim’s "fiery" post-match conduct proved to be the final straw for the United board.
In their official statement, United revealed that they arrived at the decision reluctantly but believed it was the best option at this point.
"Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United." "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."
The decision came just hours after he launched an attack on the club's board, insisting that he was the manager, not the head coach.
“Guys, stop with that – and I noticed that you receive selective information about everything. I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United. And that is clear. I know that my name is not Tuchel, it’s not Conte, it’s not Mourinho, but I’m the manager of Manchester United. And it’s going to be like this for 18 months or until the board decides to change. So that was my point. I want to finish with that," he said post Leeds.
The Portuguese manager becomes the second Premier League boss to leave his position this year after Enzo Maresca parted ways with Chelsea on New Year's Eve.
Former midfielder and current U-18's coach Darren Fletcher will step in on an interim capacity with his first assignment against Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday. Afterwards, he will have an FA Cup assignment against Brighton to prepare for before two acid tests. First up will be the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, followed by a trip to London to face league leaders Arsenal in consecutive game weeks. Amorim leaves the club firmly in contention for the Champions League next season after missing out entirely last season.