Man Utd put former Scotland star Darren Fletcher in charge after sacking Ruben Amorim as manager
Ex-United midfielder asked to take team for Burnley game
Former Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher has been placed in interim charge of Manchester United after the Old Trafford club sacked manager Ruben Amorim.
Man Utd announced on Monday morning that Amorim and his coaching staff had been relieved of their duties in the wake of Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United. It brings to an end a 14-month tenure that has been largely underwhelming for the 40-year-old Portuguese, who joined from Sporting CP in November 2024 to replace Erik ten Hag. He leaves the Red Devils sixth in the league - 17 points behind leaders Arsenal after 20 matches.
Amorim was informed of Man Utd’s decision by the club’s hierarchy on Monday morning, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
A statement from Man Utd on Amorim read: “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.”
Fletcher, who spent the majority of his playing career with Man Utd, will step up from his role as the under-18 coach to take temporary charge of first-team affairs. His first match is away to Burnley on Wednesday night. Reports suggest that Man Utd may not make a permanent appointment to replace Amorim until the summer.
Born in Dalkeith, Fletcher made 342 appearances for Man Utd between 2002 and 2015. He won the Premier League five times at Old Trafford as well as the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League. He was capped 80 times for Scotland and has since moved into coaching.
Fletcher’s two sons - Jack and Tyler, both 18 - have both been around the first-team squad in recent weeks under Amorim and could feature under their father.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.