Northern Ireland fans react as giants Man Utd and Celtic sack managers on same day - with Sir Rod Stewart voicing his support for home favourite
Football fans in Northern Ireland for Manchester United and Celtic have reacted to a dramatic day with, respectively, Ruben Amorim and Wilfried Nancy sacked by the football giants.
Amorim’s tenure was brought to an end at Manchester United after a 14-month stint in charge, with the Red Devils sitting sixth in the Premier League.
He has been replaced in the dugout by former player Darren Fletcher on an interim basis as United prepare to travel to Burnley on Wednesday night.
North of the border, Celtic sacked Wilfried Nancy after just eight games in charge at Parkhead.
The Frenchman lost six out of those eight contests – including Saturday’s home defeat to bitter Old Firm rivals Rangers.
It remains to be seen who will take over at the Hoops as they face a title race alongside Rangers and league leaders Hearts.
In a statement on Facebook, John White - secretary of the Carryduff Manchester United Supporters’ Club - outlined how the writing was on the wall for Amorim after he criticised those above him at Old Trafford at Sunday’s draw at Leeds.
He added: “United suffered their worst Premier League season last campaign, finishing 15th with their lowest points tally in a top-flight season since 1973–74, when they were relegated. And, we missed out on Europe for only the second time in 35 years.
“He won just 24 of his 63 Premier League matches in charge of United, which puts his win percentage at 38.71 per cent. No manager of United has had a worse record since Frank O’Farrell, who was sacked in 1971. He won just 30 of his 81 matches, giving him a 37.04 win percentage.
“However, for me the most alarming statistic of all is that since he took charge United are fourth in the table of fewest points won by ever present Premier League clubs over those 14 months.”
Mr White says he expects former England manager Gareth Southgate to be appointed as manager but added that he wouldn’t be surprised if former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was given the job until the end of the season.
Northern Ireland motorcycling star Glenn Irwin wished Amorim the best, having met the Portuguese-born boss alongside his son.
He added on a social media post: “David Moyes, Ryan Giggs, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Michael Carrick, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag…and now we sack Ruben Amorim.
“Clear progression from last season points wise. Yes perhaps he should have played 4 at the back after the success with it, and maybe the lack of adaptability will be used against him. The list above shows the manager is NOT the problem.”
Regarding Nancy’s dismissal, current Ballymena United goalkeeper and big Celtic fan Sean O’Neill shared the news and stated “Happy Monday”.
Meanwhile, massive Celtic fan and singer Sir Rod Stewart has pleaded for Kilrea’s Martin O’Neill to return to the Celtic dugout for a third time.
O’Neill is the obvious choice for an interim role after leading Celtic to seven victories in eight games after the departure of Brendan Rodgers earlier last year.
Stewart said on Instagram: “We need you back Martin O’Neill.
"Just get us through the end of the season and maybe we could get Robbie Keane.”
Fermanagh’s Kieran McKenna has also been linked to the Celtic role.