Manchester United new manager search: Five candidates to replace Ruben Amorim
After the decision to part with their head coach, the Red Devils are now searching for Ruben Amorim's replacement
Manchester United have confirmed the sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim after 14 months in charge, marking the latest chapter in a prolonged period of managerial instability at Old Trafford.
The decision, which was announced on Monday morning, followed a turbulent tenure under the former Sporting boss, with the headlines including underwhelming results in the Premier League, rising tensions with senior club executives, and increasing scrutiny from fans and ex-players of his tactical approach.
Amorim’s departure once again underscores the club’s ongoing struggle to recapture the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson. Since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, United have cycled through a succession of high-profile managers with limited long-term success, from David Moyes and Louis van Gaal to Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick and, most recently, Erik ten Hag before Amorim’s appointment.
The Portuguese coach leaves with a mixed legacy. He had a run to the Europa League final in May 2025, but also had the worst win ratio of any United manager in the Premier League.
With United currently sixth in the Premier League and facing a critical second half of the season as they look to return to the Champions League, the Red Devils now find themselves back at familiar crossroads.
Darren Fletcher has been installed as interim manager while the search for a permanent successor begins.
Several high-profile candidates have emerged in the betting markets and media speculation as potential replacements.
But who would be the best fit for a seemingly impossible job at Old Trafford? 101greatgoals has picked out five of the favourites for the land the role.
Xavi Hernandez
One of the more eye-catching names linked with Manchester United’s managerial vacancy is Xavi. The former Barcelona midfielder and coach is a legendary figure in world football, with the Spaniard having built an impressive reputation as both a player and as a coach.
As a player, Xavi was a central figure in Barcelona’s golden era, helping guide the club to multiple La Liga and Champions League triumphs and playing a significant role in Spain’s 2010 World Cup and European Championship victories, eventually hanging up his boots with 25 major honours to his name.
Then transitioning into management, Xavi began his coaching career at Al-Sadd in Qatar, where he won several domestic trophies before returning to Barcelona as head coach in November 2021.
During his managerial stint at Barcelona, he led the club to a La Liga title and a Spanish Supercup, although his reign ended in May 2024 amid growing tensions with the Blaugrana board.
If he were to join Manchester United, Xavi would bring a philosophical approach to the game, rooted in possession, control and proactive attacking play – traits that could appeal to a fanbase frustrated by Amorim’s tactics.
However, his lack of recent Premier League management experience and mixed results in his last top-level coaching role also suggests it may be a risk for one of European football’s most pressurised jobs.
Oliver Glasner
Among the strongest candidates emerging from the early odds following Amorim’s sacking is Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.
Before joining the Premier League with the Eagles, he thrived in the German Bundesliga, winning the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt and guiding them into the Champions League knockout phases.
At Palace, he went on to lead the club to its first FA Cup title in history, and has since led them into their first European campaign this term.
Glasner’s tactical approach is typically recognised by his strict organisation, defensive discipline and adaptability, with a willingness to adjust formations and strategies based on opponents.
That flexibility could make him an attractive option for a Manchester United squad often criticised for its lack of cohesion under Amorim’s rigid system.
Furthermore, Glasner’s current Premier League experience and his ability to navigate both domestic and European competitions suggest he could step into the Old Trafford hot seat and immediately churn out results.
However, some may argue that his system is too defensive, particularly for a club who like to be on the front foot.
Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate represents a very different profile from the typical Manchester United managerial prospect.
Southgate earned widespread respect for leading the Three Lions to deep runs at both the European Championship and the World Cup.
Southgate’s strengths lie in his leadership, man-management and ability to cultivate unity in the dressing room – United would be hiring a man to change the culture of the club, rather than focus on the football.
They are attributes that could be valuable in a United environment rife with inconsistency and morale challenges. His availability and willingness to return to club football is still unknown, after he announced he would be taking an extended break from management following his resignation from the England job.
Whether he fits United’s immediate ambitions of returning to the top table though, is a very different question.
Thomas Tuchel
Although not currently at the centre of early post-sacking betting markets due to his England commitments, Thomas Tuchel remains a high-profile name that often surfaces in managerial speculation for elite clubs.
The German coach has established a pristine reputation from stints at top European sides, including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, winning several major honours – including the Champions League – with Chelsea.
Tuchel’s coaching philosophy includes meticulous preparation and a strong emphasis on defensive organisation, evidenced by the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifying campaign which saw them complete the group stage without conceding a goal.
A potential move to Manchester United would likely depend on timing and personal considerations, including Tuchel’s own career plans.
His contract does expire after the World Cup in 2026, and the German has not given any indication that he will remain beyond that, especially if football does not come home.
A Tuchel tenure at Old Trafford would likely aim for immediate structure and performance improvements, but may also require significant alignment on transfers and long-term strategy, something Amorim struggled with alongside director Jason Wilcox.
Darren Fletcher
Darren Fletcher, a club legend and the man installed as interim manager following Amorim’s dismissal, could also be viewed as a candidate for the permanent role – although reports are emerging that the club wish to appoint a caretaker manager until the end of the season.
Fletcher has deep roots in the Manchester United institution, having tallied up plenty of experience as both a player and a coach within the club’s ranks, including work with youth and leadership development.
While Fletcher’s managerial résumé is not as extensive as those of the other names discussed, his understanding of the club culture, ability to connect with players and steady presence during a turbulent period could make him a compelling internal option.
His immediate challenge will be to steady United’s league campaign and prepare the squad for upcoming fixtures, tasks that could either bolster his candidacy – like it did with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – or reinforce the board’s desire to pursue a more experienced external appointment.