At 10h on Monday 5/1, Manchester time, Man Utd announced the termination of coach Ruben Amorim's contract following a draw with Leeds in the Premier League. Later that afternoon, Amorim was spotted leaving his home in Cheshire, walking alongside his wife, Maria Joao Diogo.

Coach Ruben Amorim and his wife Maria Joao Diogo strolling in Cheshire, United Kingdom, on the afternoon of 5/1/2026. Photo: Manchester Evening News.

According to reporters, the 40-year-old coach maintained an open demeanor, exchanged brief words with photographers, and appeared relaxed despite losing his job at Old Trafford. Light snow was falling, but it did not obscure Amorim's calm composure in his first public appearance since his dismissal. At one point, he smiled broadly, his face radiant.

On social media, many fans expressed understanding of Amorim's current feelings. "He must have received a lot of compensation, and he's no longer under pressure", commented Reddit user aronus, whose remark received the most upvotes.

User malamale agreed: "He looks younger and much happier".

And darkjessy_ responded: "Who wouldn't be happy to leave the most stressful job in the world? Especially with generous compensation".

According to British media, Man Utd may have to pay around 10 million USD in compensation to Amorim. This amount matches what they paid Sporting to terminate Amorim's contract at the end of 10/2024. In total, Man Utd spent 20 million USD solely on compensation related to the 40-year-old coach.

Man Utd appointed Amorim in 11/2024 to take over the team during a period of instability following Erik ten Hag's tenure. During his more than one year in charge, he led the "Red Devils" to the Europa League final in Bilbao, where they lost to Tottenham. In the domestic league, Man Utd finished 15th last season and are currently sixth this season.

Statistics show Amorim oversaw Man Utd's worst season in 51 years. He held the lowest win percentage of any manager in the club's Premier League history, at just 32%. On average, Man Utd conceded 1,53 goals per match, with a clean sheet rate of 15%, both record lows compared to previous managers. These statistics were a factor in the club's decision to dismiss him.

According to plans, former midfielder Darren Fletcher will serve as Man Utd's interim manager for the match against Burnley on the evening of 7/1 and may lead the team until the end of the season if results are good. Coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has also expressed willingness to return and manage Man Utd temporarily until the end of the season. Meanwhile, the board has begun the search for a new manager, with prominent names such as: Oliver Glasner, Roberto De Zerbi, and Enzo Maresca.

As for Amorim, sources from Portugal indicate he has no immediate plans to return to coaching. According to Maisfutebol, the 40-year-old coach feels exhausted after a period of intense pressure at Old Trafford and wants to rest until at least 6/2026, when the season concludes. Amorim would only consider changing his plans if he receives an offer that is almost impossible to refuse.

Hoang An (according to MEN, Sapo)