Ruben Amorim [AP Photo]
Ruben Amorim is out as coach of Manchester United after just 14 months in the job.
The Premier League club announced on Monday that Amorim’s reign was over – with the decision coming a day after he made provocative comments about his position following a 1-1 draw with Leeds.
“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,” United said in a statement. “This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.”
United said youth coach Darren Fletcher would take charge of its match against Burnley on Wednesday.
The Portuguese oversaw a slew of unwanted records at the 20-time English champion including its lowest finish in the Premier League era last season. The United job has proved one of the most difficult in world soccer since club legend Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, with Amorim the sixth permanent manager or coach to be discarded in that time.
Amorim apologized to fans at the end of last season for what he described as a “disastrous” campaign when United finished 15th in the standings, recorded its highest number of losses in a Premier League season and lowest points total.
Last week there were reports that figures at the club had questioned his tactics.
On Sunday he sought to clarify his position.
“I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United,” he said. “And that is clear.
“I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me.”
Troubles at the top
Liverpool and Manchester City were stunned by late goals to drop points in the Premier League on Sunday.
Harrison Reed’s spectacular strike in the seventh minute of stoppage time earned Fulham a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Craven Cottage. And Enzo Fernandez poked home an equalizer in the 94th at the Etihad to seal a 1-1 draw for managerless Chelsea that dented City›s title hopes.
Second-placed City led through Tijjani Reijnders at halftime, but is now six points behind leader Arsenal, which beat Bournemouth 3-2 on Saturday.
Defending champion Liverpool is fourth in the standings and 14 points adrift of Arsenal after substitute Reed let fly from around 25 meters (yards) to beat Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.
Manchester United drew 1-1 with Leeds after Matheus Cunha’s equalizer at Elland Road. United boss Ruben Amorim appeared frustrated afterward as he raised questions about his role at the club. MDT/AP
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