Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been pictured looking completely unfazed, just hours after the club terminated his contract with immediate effect. The 40-year-old Portuguese coach and his wife, Maria Joao Diogo, were seen leaving their Cheshire home on Monday afternoon, both wearing huge grins.
The End of a Short Reign at Carrington
Amorim's dismissal was confirmed on Monday morning at the club's Carrington training ground. This decisive action followed a public outburst from the manager directed at the club's hierarchy after United's disappointing draw against Leeds on Sunday. However, insiders reveal the decision to sack him was actually made two days prior to the trip to Elland Road.
The final trigger was a meeting held after last Tuesday's 1-1 draw with bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. In that match, Amorim had reverted to his preferred tactical system using three central defenders. During the meeting, United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, informed Amorim that the squad—bolstered by a £250 million summer recruitment drive—was good enough to earn his trust and should be playing a more attacking style of football.
A Costly and Laughing Exit
Despite the high-stakes nature of his dismissal, Amorim's departure was anything but somber. Witnesses reported that he was seen leaving the training ground laughing and joking with members of his departing coaching staff. The financial terms of his exit are a key point of interest.
Amorim was due a substantial £12 million in compensation if sacked before November 1st. While the exact details of his severance package are currently unclear, this figure highlights the significant cost to Manchester United for ending his tenure so early in the season.
What Comes Next for Manchester United?
With Amorim gone, the club has moved quickly to appoint an interim manager. Former United midfielder and current Under-18s coach, Darren Fletcher, has been installed as the caretaker manager. His first task will be to lead the team for Wednesday's Premier League fixture away to Burnley.
The leadership group within the United squad was informed of the decision shortly after Amorim received the news. This move marks another turbulent chapter for the Red Devils as they seek stability and a return to their attacking traditions following a brief and unsuccessful experiment under Amorim's leadership.
