West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has said he is "surprised and sad" to see Ruben Amorim sacked by Manchester United.

Amorim was removed from his position as United head coach on Monday after just 14 months in the role at Old Trafford.

The 40-year-old's position was thought to be under threat after he appeared to criticise the Red Devils' hierarchy in the aftermath of Sunday's 1-1 away draw with Leeds United, a result which was part of a mixed run of recent form.

Man Utd are now reportedly planning to hire a caretaker manager until the end of the season, with former midfielder Darren Fletcher – who has performed a variety of roles for the club – holding the fort for the time being.

Nuno himself is under pressure as West Ham manager after struggling to turn the club's fortunes around since arriving in September.

But he was disappointed to see his compatriot dismissed, with Amorim now the sixth top-flight manager to lose their position since the season started, Nuno having been the first of those when he was sacked by Nottingham Forest early in the campaign.

"Like everybody, I was surprised and sad," Nuno said when asked for his reaction to the news.

"He is Portuguese [like me]. He is a young manager, but this is what it is – I think we are aware that this is how the industry works."

Nuno was also asked what advice he would give to Amorim, given he has had many more years of experience as a manager.

The West Ham boss added: "[Bouncing back] is what you have to do.

"Go back home, reset, and get ready for the next challenge. The ups and downs – this is life."

19 - During Rúben Amorim's time in the Premier League, the only manager to lose more games than he did (19) was Ange Postecoglou (21). Finalists. pic.twitter.com/wzFiw2xvz2

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 5, 2026

A host of early names have been linked with the United job, including Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca.

Ex-Barcelona boss Xavi and former England manager Gareth Southgate are also reportedly in the frame.

United are away to Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday, while Nuno is preparing West Ham for a crunch home clash against his former club and relegation rivals Forest a day earlier.

Amorim oversaw 63 games as United boss in all competitions, winning 24, drawing 18 and losing 21.

He was in charge for the final six months of United's worst-ever Premier League campaign in 2024-25, as they recorded their lowest finish (15th), posted their worst points tally (42) and scored their fewest goals (44) in any season in the competition.

While Amorim has improved United's fortunes this season – he departs with the club sitting only three points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool in the table – they have produced inconsistent performances, particularly at Old Trafford, with United being held by lowly Wolves in the coach's final home match at the helm.

United were also humiliatingly knocked out of the EFL Cup at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town earlier this season.

Amorim only achieved 15 victories in 47 Premier League matches at the helm, giving him the worst win ratio (32%) of any United boss in the competition.