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Manchester United’s season changed with the decision to fire Ruben Amorim in January 2026.
Ineos acted decisively in January 2026 to sack Ruben Amorim. The team’s uninspiring form combined with internal disillusionment with the head coach led to a ruthless decision from the board.
United were in sixth place in the Premier League at the time. The full table from January 5, 2026 can be viewed below.
Pos Club GD Pts 1Arsenal+2648 2Man City+2642 3Aston Villa+942 4Liverpool+434 5Chelsea+1131 6Man United+431 7Brentford+430 8Sunderland+230 9Newcastle+429 10Brighton+328 11Fulham-128 12Everton-228 13Tottenham+427 14Crystal Palace-127 15Bournemouth-723 16Leeds United-722 17Nott’m Forest-1418 18West Ham-2014 19Burnley-1912 20Wolves-266 
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesClose to the Champions League, and close to mid-table obscurity
Placed in sixth place at the time, Manchester United were in the mix for the Champions League places, only separated from fifth on goal difference.
However, the league table was so condensed that United were only three points ahead of 11th place.
With games upcoming later in January against Burnley (a), Manchester City (h) and Arsenal (a), there was a fear that United could end the month closer to mid-table obscurity than the Champions League places.
Amorim’s replacement Michael Carrick was able to inspire United to wins against City and Arsenal, after caretaker boss Darren Fletcher drew against Burnley.
Should Ruben Amorim have been FIRED right after the Europa League Final defeat?
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images United’s form under Amorim before sacking
Ruben Amorim won only one of his final five matches before he was sacked. These included only one win from three home games.
vs Leeds: 1-1vs Wolves: 0-0vs Newcastle: 1-0vs Aston Villa: 1-2vs Bournemouth: 4-4
This disappointing form was a contributory factor to the unhappiness felt by Amorim, United’s board and the fans, that meant he had to go.
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