Manchester United have admitted that the time is right for change after sacking head coach Ruben Amorim.The Portuguese was hired by United in 2024 to replace Erik ten Hag, but has seen his relationship with Old Trafford bosses rapidly deteriorate.

And the final straw came on Sunday after Amorim took aim the hierarchy amid mounting tension over the direction of the club. The Red Devils have now confirmed his departure with a statement released.

It reads: "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."

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Amorim arrived at Old Trafford in November 2024, replacing Erik ten Hag after he was sacked by the club's new ownership structure. But despite his lofty reputation built in Portugal, he struggled to make an impact with his new club.

United did reach the Europa League final - where they were beaten by Tottenham - but also registered their worst ever Premier League finish, ending the season in 15th.

The Red Devils then spent big in the summer, completely revamping their forward line with the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha costing more than £200million.

But United have still been inconsistent in the Premier League this term, winning eight times, drawing seven and losing five of their 20 matches. That included a run of just one victory in their last five matches, culminating in a 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday.

It was following that clash that Amorim took aim at the club's hierarchy and hinted at his dissatisfaction at the current situation. He said: "I know that my name is not [Thomas] Tuchel, is not [Antonio] Conte, is not [Jose] Mourinho, but I'm the manager of Manchester United," he ranted. "It's going to be like this for 18 months or when the board decided to change. That was my point. I want to finish with that. I'm not going to quit. I will do my job until other guy is coming here to replace me.

"I just want to say that I'm going to be the manager of this team, not just the coach. I was really clear on that. That is going to finish in 18 months, and then everyone is going to move on. That was the deal. That is my job, not to be a coach."

Amorim had also suggested he was unhappy with plans for the current transfer window, with United expected to be quiet despite their current injury crisis.

Ex-United midfielder Darren Fletcher will now take interim charge, with the club expected to wait until the summer before confirming a permanent successor.

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