Just Another Manic Monday

To steal the title of the classic song by The Bangles, it truly was a manic Monday, at least in part — as two managers lost their jobs at argueably two of the biggest clubs in the UK.

Manchester United announced they had parted ways with Ruben Amorim after 14 months in charge. The news came after United’s 1–1 draw away to Leeds United yesterday lunchtime, after which Amorim delivered a passionate press conference. He spoke about several issues, including the fact that he came to Manchester to be the manager, not just a coach.

The Portuguese coach recorded a win percentage of 38.1%, winning 24 of his 63 games in all competitions. This gives him the lowest win record of any United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired (aside from Ralf Rangnick, who only oversaw half a season).

There have already been several lows for the serial Premier League winners this season, including an embarrassing defeat to League Two side Grimsby in the Carabao Cup and a 3–1 loss away to Brentford back in September.

Amorim won just 15 Premier League games out of 47 and oversaw 19 defeats in that time.

The board simply ran out of patience and decided to act, though the move has been met with mixed feelings. United fans had their own version of a Bonnie Tyler song, but in the end it proved to be nothing but a heartache.

Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been placed in temporary charge.

As for the second sacking of the day, Celtic have parted ways with Wilfried Nancy after just 33 days in charge.

The Frenchman joined following a spell in MLS with Columbus Crew and replaced Martin O’Neill, who had overseen a successful interim period. However, it never truly clicked for the 48‑year‑old.

Having won seven of their previous eight games before Nancy arrived, the Hoops were in a strong position to continue their good form. But Nancy became the first Celtic manager to lose his opening two matches, including a 3–1 defeat to St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup Final.

Celtic would then lose four in a row for the first time since Jock Stein was in charge in 1978. Although results briefly improved with wins against Aberdeen and Livingston, the Scottish giants were beaten by Motherwell and then outclassed by Rangers in the Old Firm at Celtic Park, blowing a 1–0 half‑time lead to lose 3–1.

With six defeats in eight games, the board decided it was time to act and parted ways with a manager who had signed a two‑year deal just over a month ago.

It remains to be seen what comes next for Celtic — whether they turn to Martin O’Neill again or look elsewhere.

Celebrity fan Rod Stewart took to social media to say he wants O’Neill back until the end of the season, with his dream long‑term appointment being Robbie Keane. He added that he didn’t know whether Nancy had left by mutual consent or had been sacked, but he didn’t care either way — he was simply glad he was gone and that he was “off down the pub to celebrate”.