Fabrizio Romano's post announces that Rúben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United after just 14 months in charge. The decision was made this morning (January 5, 2026).

Amorim was appointed from Sporting CP in November 2024. Key reasons for the sacking include poor recent results (e.g., a 1-1 draw against Leeds United in his final match), disagreements over transfer policy, and tensions with the club's hierarchy (particularly sporting director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada). Amorim publicly criticized the recruitment team and insisted on more control, referring to himself as the "manager" rather than "head coach."

The post has gone viral with over 11.6 million views, massive engagement (246K likes, 35K reposts), and thousands of replies/quotes. Fan reactions are a mix of shock, disappointment, frustration at the club's ongoing managerial instability, and plenty of memes/humor (e.g., rival fans joking about it, United supporters lamenting the cycle of hiring and firing).

Official confirmation followed shortly after: Manchester United issued a statement thanking Amorim for his contributions (including reaching the 2025 Europa League final) and wishing him well. Club legend Darren Fletcher has been appointed as interim head coach.


This marks yet another turbulent chapter for Manchester United under INEOS ownership, highlighting ongoing issues with results and internal power struggles.

 

Darren Fletcher's CareerDarren Barr Fletcher (born 1 February 1984 in Dalkeith, Scotland) is a former professional footballer and current coach. He is widely regarded as a Manchester United club legend, having spent the majority of his playing career there.theguardian.com

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Playing CareerManchester United (2000–2015): Joined the academy at age 11, made his professional debut in 2003. Played 342 matches in total.Achievements: 5 Premier League titles, 1 UEFA Champions League (2008), 1 FA Cup, 2 League Cups, 1 FIFA Club World Cup, and more (13 trophies overall).

Position: Primarily central midfielder, occasionally right wing or defense. Known under Sir Alex Ferguson as a "big-game player" for his work rate, energy, and leadership.

Career impacted by ulcerative colitis, which caused long absences, but he returned strongly after surgery.cnn.com

West Bromwich Albion (2015–2017): 97 appearances.

Stoke City (2017–2019): Final club before retiring in 2019.

International Career (Scotland)80 caps, 5 goals (2003–2017).

Became captain at age 20 (one of Scotland's youngest ever).

Regular captain from 2009 onward.

Featured in major qualifiers but missed periods due to illness.theguardian.com

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Coaching CareerBegan coaching qualifications after retirement in 2019.

2020: Returned to Manchester United as U16 coach.

2021: Promoted to first-team coach, later became Technical Director (role ended in 2024 when Jason Wilcox took over).

July 2025: Appointed head coach of the Under-18s team.skysports.com

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January 2026 (current): Following Rúben Amorim's sacking on 5 January 2026, Fletcher was appointed interim manager of the first team. His first match in charge is away at Burnley on 8 January 2026.

Fletcher is seen as someone who deeply understands Manchester United's DNA – a hardworking leader with strong club ties. His twin sons, Jack and Tyler Fletcher (both 18), are in the United academy (transferred from Manchester City in 2023) and have been on the first-team bench recently.A true one-club man in spirit, both as a player and now in coaching!