New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) Manchester United has officially terminated the contract of head coach Ruben Amorim on Monday after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday, highlighting the team's ongoing struggles under the Portuguese manager. Former player Darren Fletcher is anticipated to step in as the interim head coach.

In a statement released by the club, it was clarified that this decision was taken to facilitate an improvement in the team's league performance.

“Ruben Amorim is no longer the Head Coach of Manchester United. He was appointed in November 2024 and guided the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May. However, with the team currently sitting sixth in the Premier League, the leadership at the club has made the difficult decision that a change is necessary. This move aims to provide the best chance for the team to achieve the highest possible finish in the league. The club expresses gratitude to Ruben for his contributions and wishes him success in his future endeavors,” the club's statement read.

“Darren Fletcher will lead the team in the upcoming match against Burnley on Wednesday,” it continued.

Fletcher, who played for United from 2002 to 2015, has remained connected with the club through various coaching roles since his retirement. He is currently the head coach of the U-18 squad and was part of the first-team coaching staff under Ole Gunnar Solskjær in 2021. During his playing days, he contributed to five league titles under Sir Alex Ferguson and was a member of the squad that won the 2008 Champions League.

Amorim, who was a prominent signing following his successful stint at Sporting, struggled to implement his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. He remained committed to it despite having visible alternative strategies.

While there had been some progress this season, Amorim often failed to show that his tactical approach was effectively taking shape, as Manchester United frequently faced setbacks. Notably, they dropped crucial points at home against a Wolves team that had only two points at that time.

Following Sunday’s draw, Amorim delivered a passionate outburst, claiming he is the manager of the Red Devils rather than merely the head coach, despite the club's official title for him. He also seemed to express discontent with the leadership at Old Trafford.