Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Ruben Amorim after 14 months at the helm, a decision that has triggered a significant search for the club's seventh new manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. The dismissal, which came at a cost of a reported £10 million pay-off, bringing the total cost of hiring and firing Amorim to nearly £27 million, was delivered by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox amidst escalating tensions and a dismal run of form.

Darren Fletcher, currently the Under-18s boss and a former United midfielder, has been appointed as interim coach. He will oversee the upcoming Premier League match against Burnley at Turf Moor and the FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton at Old Trafford. Sources indicate that United are considering a temporary appointment until the end of the season to allow more time for a thorough search for Amorim's permanent successor, who is expected to be named in the summer.

Amorim's tenure was marked by a challenging record, securing only 25 wins in 63 matches, resulting in a 31.9% win percentage – the lowest of any permanent United manager in the Premier League era. The team currently sits sixth in the Premier League, having missed out on European qualification the previous season. Doubts about Amorim existed from the start, particularly concerning his preferred 3-4-3 system and the inexperience of his proposed coaching staff from Portugal. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, in charge of football operations, was reportedly warned that adapting the squad to this system would require substantial financial investment the club did not possess.

Key factors contributing to Amorim's departure included tactical stubbornness, issues with player relations, and public comments that strained his relationship with the club hierarchy. Despite indicating a willingness to adapt his system early on, Amorim consistently reverted to his 3-4-3 formation, even against weaker opponents like Wolves, leading to an overly conservative approach that concerned club staff. An explosive meeting with Wilcox after the 1-1 draw with Wolves saw Amorim react "overly emotionally" to constructive feedback about his tactics, viewing such questions as an interference in his responsibilities.

Players, initially optimistic about Amorim's charismatic communication style after Erik ten Hag's strictness, found his training methods "basic." He was observed physically dragging players into desired positions and often expressed frustration over a perceived lack of physicality and fragility within the squad. His public criticism, including calling the team "maybe the worst" in the club's history after a defeat to Brighton, and digs at specific players like Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu, were poorly received in the dressing room and by the hierarchy. He used interviews to send public messages to players, a strategy that often backfired.

Recruitment frustrations also played a significant role. Amorim, despite being given the title of "head coach" to reflect a new structure, insisted on choosing players. There were clashes over transfer targets, with Amorim desiring proven Premier League goal scorers like Watkins, while the club favored younger, developmental prospects such as Sesko. He openly expressed frustration about the lack of "crazy guys" in the squad, a perceived dig at the board for their recruitment decisions.

The culmination of these issues was Amorim's stunning news conference rant after the 1-1 draw with Leeds United, where he demanded to be seen as "manager, not the coach" and urged club bosses to "do their jobs," implying criticism of Wilcox and others. This public outburst, coupled with a growing internal feeling that Amorim and his staff had come to fear the Premier League and prioritized containment over attack, sealed his fate. The draw against Wolves, the league's basement club at the time, was seen internally as the "killer game" that eroded faith in his leadership.

The search for a permanent manager is focusing on candidates with Premier League experience and a philosophy that aligns with Manchester United's "DNA"—adventurous, exciting, aggressive football, playing young players, and entertaining the crowd. Gary Neville emphasized the need to stop "experiments" and find a manager who fits the club's identity.

Several high-profile names are being considered for the permanent role. Immediate candidates, potentially available now, include Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace, FA Cup winner, out of contract), Kieran McKenna (Ipswich Town, former United coach), Gareth Southgate (unemployed, England success), Xavi (unemployed, but lacking Premier League experience), Michael Carrick (former interim, Middlesbrough), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (popular figure, attacking style), and Enzo Maresca (recently left Chelsea, but his possession-based philosophy might not suit United's squad).

Summer candidates, many becoming available after the World Cup, present a strong pool. These include Thomas Tuchel (England manager, Champions League winner with Chelsea, but known for being outspoken), Mauricio Pochettino (U.S. coach, previously considered by United), Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil coach, multi-Champions League winner with stellar track record), Julian Nagelsmann (Germany coach, highly rated despite turbulent Bayern spell), and Andoni Iraola (AFC Bournemouth, praised for high-energy style). Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox now face the crucial task of selecting a leader who can restore Manchester United to its former glory.