It was a turbulent weekend in football as two high‑profile coaches were shown the door. Manchester United confirmed the dismissal of manager Ruben Amorim on Monday, while the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) announced the departure of national team head coach Sami Trabelsi after Tunisia’s early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
United said Amorim’s removal came after what insiders described as an irreparable breakdown in internal relations.
“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 club stated.
Amorim’s Exit at Old Trafford
Sports journalist David Oistein reported that United’s leadership, led by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, agreed to terminate Amorim’s tenure following mounting tensions behind the scenes.
Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, currently coaching the club’s Under‑18s, will serve as interim manager. His first assignment is Wednesday’s away fixture against Burnley, with a permanent appointment expected in the summer.
Amorim’s final days were marked by clashes with the media. Before and after Sunday’s draw with Leeds United, he appeared visibly frustrated, refusing to answer questions about transfers or tactical changes.
He later remarked that he joined United to work as a manager, not merely a head coach, hinting at dissatisfaction with his role.
Reports suggested growing strain between Amorim and Wilcox, with the Portuguese coach unhappy over unfulfilled transfer assurances.
Despite the upheaval, United remain sixth in the Premier League, level on points with Chelsea and three behind fourth‑placed Liverpool.
Tunisia Parts Ways with Trabelsi
In North Africa, Tunisia ended its AFCON campaign with a penalty shootout loss to Mali in the Round of 16. Less than 24 hours later, the FTF confirmed Trabelsi’s departure.
“The Executive Committee has decided to terminate the contractual relationship by mutual consent with the entire technical staff of the national team,” the federation said in a statement quoted by CAF.
Tunisia’s tournament began brightly with a 3–1 win over Uganda, but defensive lapses in a 3–2 defeat to Nigeria and a scrappy 1–1 draw with Tanzania raised concerns.
Against Mali, the Carthage Eagles struck first and enjoyed a numerical advantage after Mali went down to ten men. Yet they failed to capitalize, allowing Mali to equalize, force extra time, and eventually win on penalties.
Supporters and analysts had tipped Tunisia as strong contenders, but the team’s lack of cohesion proved costly.
The Round of 16 elimination adds another disappointing chapter for a nation that last lifted the AFCON trophy in 2004.
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