Football: Jose Morinho leaves Manchester United

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - Manager Jose Morinho has left Premier League club Manchester United with “immediate effect,” following the poor performance of the football team this season, the club said Tuesday.

"The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future,” Manchester United said in a statement.

"A new caretaker-manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager," it added.

Morinho’s contract, which started in 2016, came to an end following a 3-1 defeat against Liverpool, after two-and-a-half year.

The club won the Europa League and League Cup in 2016-17 season and finished second in the Premier League.

Manchester United spent around £364 million ($460 million) on new players during Morinho’s management.

The club holds the sixth place with 7 wins, 7 draws and 5 losses after 17 games this season, collecting 26 points.

Morinho previously managed another Premier League hotshots Chelsea after he left Spanish club Real Madrid in 2015.

Benfica, Porto and Inter Milan are some other big clubs Morinho managed previously.