Ruben Amorim became the latest manager of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era to be sacked on Monday - so where does this leave the club and what will likely happen next?
Amorim was “reluctantly” sacked by United on Monday (January 5) and left the club sixth in the Premier League after 20 matches this term.
Overall, his tenure will be looked back upon as a failure with the Portuguese guiding United to a record-low 15th place finish in the 2024/25 season, while also overseeing their Europa League final defeat against Spurs in Bilbao.
The Portuguese has joined a now-lengthy list of managers who have tried to return United to their former glory since Ferguson’s retirement in May 2013.
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Despite the Red Devils picking up two more FA Cups (2014 and 2024), two League Cups (2017 and 2023), and one Europa League (2017), since Ferguson left, a league title has evaded them.
David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Erik ten Hag, and now Amorim have all tried and failed to guide United back to the top of the Premier League.
So, SPORTbible assessed what, at least in the short term, will likely happen next.
Man Utd appoint caretaker manager
Ex-United midfielder and current Under-18s head coach Darren Fletcher will take charge of the senior side on an interim basis, however, he is unlikely to continue in the role following the team’s FA Cup third round tie against Brighton at Old Trafford on January 11.
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According to BBC Sport, United will appoint a caretaker for the rest of the season, but it won’t be Fletcher undertaking that role.
It remains unclear who the caretaker head coach will be while Enzo Maresca and Oliver Glasner are the frontrunners to become the next permanent United boss.
Ruben Amorim to receive huge payout
Despite losing his job, Amorim’s disappointment will be softened by a hefty payout.
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The Sporting News previously reported that the 40-year-old earned around £125,000 per week (£6.5 million a year) at United.
And as a result of no discounted exit clause being included in his contract, he is set receive the rest of his contracted salary, which equates to around £9.6 million due to him having 77 contracted weeks left on his deal until June 30, 2027.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Glazers to face fan fury
Since the Glazer family bought United in 2005, their presence and involvement with the football club has been met with anger by most fans, with several accusing them of profiting from the club while United’s debt continues to rise.
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BBC Sport reported in September of 2025 that United confirmed their debt was £637 million after taking on an extra £105 million to help fund summer transfers.
Meanwhile, minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe – who owns nearly 29 per cent of the club while assuming control of all football operations – has also come under fire after making around 450 staff redundant since his arrival in February 2024.
With the prospect of a new manager on the horizon, this will come with the added financial burden of potential new signings, despite United spending £170 million last summer.
Depending on the results, the relationship between the fans and ownership will remain temperamental at the very least.
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Kobbie Mainoo returns to the United starting XI
One man who will likely be pleased to see the back of Amorim is 20-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
The United academy product had previously requested to go on loan during the summer, but this was blocked by the football club.
Since then, the England international has made just 11 substitute appearances in the Premier League, and is yet to start a top-flight game this term.
During United’s 4-4 draw at home against Bournemouth in December, the player’s brother - who was among the Old Trafford crowd - Jordan Mainoo-Hames, wore a t-shirt with the words ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ printed on it as a dig at Amorim.
Mainoo has not featured since then and is sidelined with a reported calf injury.
But upon his return, it is likely that he will be afforded more opportunities in the side, given his obvious talent and United’s emphasis on developing academy products.
Topics: Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, Premier League, Football, Sir Alex Ferguson
Luke Davies