Here's who will be in charge for Manchester United against Brighton in the FA Cup
Brighton travel to Old Trafford this Sunday to face Manchester United in the FA Cup third round
Ruben Amorim has been sacked as Manchester United head coach having failed to make sufficient headway during an underwhelming 14 months in charge.
United face struggling Burnley in the Premier League - a team Brighton beat 2-0 last Saturday - and then face Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford this Sunday.
Darren Fletcher, who currently works as Under-18s coach, will take charge for Wednesday’s match against the Claret as United look to get back to winning ways while considering their next steps.
Fletcher will also most likely be in the dugout for Sunday’s visit of the Seagulls - unless United act rapidly and make a swift appointment.
United are understood to be taking stock as they seek to get through Wednesday’s trip to Burnley under interim manager Fletcher. Fletcher is favourite, while former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and ex-United midfielder Michael Carrick are ranking highly.
Fletcher - a 41-year-old academy graduate - made over 340 first-team appearances for the Red Devils and has held a number of roles at since returning to the club in 2020.
United statement: Right time to make a change
“Ruben Amorim has departed his role as head coach of Manchester United,” the Premier League club said in a statement on Monday morning.
“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.”
Amorim’s post Leeds press conference spelt the end
Amorim was fired just 19 hours after making a string of eye-catching comments at Elland Road, where he stressed he was United’s manager rather than “just the coach” having hinted at frustration behind the scenes on Friday.
The Portuguese told the scouting department and sporting director “to do their job” during a blockbuster end to a post-match press conference that saw him raise major doubts over his future.
Amorim repeatedly suggested to the media that he would leave when his contract expires in 18 months but United’s stumbling performances, and perhaps those comments, saw his exit expedited.
Amorim’s press conferences before and after Leeds underlined the frustration of a coach that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said in October “needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years”.
Amorim brought initial hope
The 40-year-old’s appointment in November 2024 brought much hope and excitement to Old Trafford, with the highly-rated Sporting Lisbon coach succeeding Erik ten Hag on a deal until 2027.
But Amorim’s reign has seen more lows – and press conference soundbites -than highs, including overseeing a worst top-flight campaign in 51 years as United slumped home 15th in the Premier League.
May’s costly Europa League final loss to Tottenham compounded that and the club have wielded the axe with the Red Devils sixth in the standings following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at rivals Leeds.
It is understood the decision to change managers was due to the lack of evolution and progress over his 14-month reign rather than a power struggle.
Club sources expressed continued confidence in chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, now facing a big decision on what approach to take next.