Ruben Amorim has been sacked as Manchester United manager just 14 months after taking charge at Old Trafford, the club announced on Monday.
The decision was taken early in the day following what sources close to the club described as a breakdown in internal relations.
In a statement, United said the move was made with the club’s league position in mind.
“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 statement said.
BBC Sport understands that tensions behind the scenes had been building for several weeks, leading senior figures to conclude that the situation was no longer sustainable.
Sports journalist David Ornstein reported that the decision was agreed by United’s senior leadership, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
Former midfielder Darren Fletcher, who is currently working as the club’s Under-18s coach, is expected to take charge on an interim basis. His first game would be Wednesday’s Premier League fixture away at Burnley.
United are not expected to make a permanent managerial appointment until the summer.
Amorim’s departure follows a difficult weekend in which he clashed with the media before and after Sunday’s draw with Leeds United at Elland Road.
In his pre-match news conference, the Portuguese coach declined to answer questions on transfers and whether he had been asked to adapt his tactical approach. Since arriving from Sporting CP, he had faced criticism from some quarters over a perceived lack of flexibility.
After the match, Amorim added to speculation by stressing that he joined United to work as a manager rather than a head coach, while also casting doubt on his long-term future at the club.
Reports in recent weeks have pointed to growing tension between Amorim and Wilcox, particularly over transfer expectations that were not met.
Despite the managerial change, Manchester United remain in contention for European qualification. They are sixth in the Premier League, level on points with Chelsea in fifth and three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
