Right time to make a change say club chiefs

RUBEN AMORIM has been sacked as Manchester United head coach having failed to make sufficient headway during an underwhelming 14 months in charge.

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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 topflight campaign in 51 years as United slumped home 15th in the Premier League.

May's Europa League final loss to Tottenham compounded that and the club have wielded the axe with the Red Devils sixth in the table following Sunday's 1-1 draw at rivals Leeds.

“Ruben Amorim has departed his role as head coach of Manchester United,” the club said in a statement.

“Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League final in May.

‘The 20-year-old won't mourn the departure of his head coach and he looks certain to stay at Old Trafford now, rather than seek a temporary departure this month. He might also find chances easier to come by in a three-man midfield, a tactical approach Amorim refused to get on board with.