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After the decision to part ways with their head coach, the Red Devils are now looking for Ruben Amorim’s replacement.
Manchester United confirmed the dismissal of 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 Monday morningfollowed a turbulent tenure under the former Sporting boss, with headlines including disappointing Premier League results, growing tensions with the club’s top brass and increasing scrutiny from fans and former players over his tactical approach.
Amorim’s departure once again underlines the club’s continued struggle to return to its glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson. Since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, United have enjoyed 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 reached the Europa League final in May 2025, but also recorded the worst win rate of any United manager in the Premier League.
With United currently sitting 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 at a familiar crossroads.
Darren Fletcher has been appointed interim manager while the search for a permanent successor begins.
Several high-profile candidates have emerged in betting markets and media speculation as potential replacements.
But who would be best suited for a seemingly impossible job at Old Trafford? 101greatgoals has selected five of the favorites for the role.
Xavi Hernández
One of the most eye-catching names linked to the Manchester United manager vacancy is Xavi. The former Barcelona midfielder and manager is a legendary figure in world football, with the Spaniard having built an impressive reputation both as a player and as a manager.
As a player, Xavi was a central figure in Barcelona’s golden era, helping the club to multiple La Liga and Champions League triumphs and playing an important role in Spain’s 2010 World Cup and European Championship victories, eventually hanging up his boots with 25 major honors to his name.
Moving on to 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 tenure as Barcelona manager, he led the club to a La Liga title and a Spanish Super Cup, 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 fan base frustrated by Amorim’s tactics.
However, his lack of recent Premier League management experience and mixed results in his last top-flight coaching role also suggest this could pose a risk for one of the most pressured positions in European football.
Olivier Glasner
Among the strongest candidates to emerge 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 to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
At Palace, he went on to lead the club to their first ever FA Cup title and has since led them to their first European campaign this season.
Glasner’s tactical approach is generally recognized for his strict organization, defensive discipline and adaptability, with a willingness to adjust formations and strategies depending on opponents.
This flexibility could make him an interesting option for a Manchester United team often criticized for its lack of cohesion in Amorim’s rigid system.
Additionally, Glasner’s current Premier League experience and ability to navigate domestic and European competitions suggests he could step into the hot seat at Old Trafford and produce results straight away.
However, some may argue that his system is too defensive, especially for a club that likes to be at the forefront.
Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate represents a very different profile from the typical Manchester United manager.
Southgate has earned everyone’s respect for leading the Three Lions to deep runs at the European Championship and World Cup.
Southgate’s strengths lie in his leadership, man management and ability to cultivate unity in the dressing room – United would hire a man to change the culture of the club, rather than focusing on football.
These are attributes that could be valuable in a united environment rife with inconsistency and moral challenges. His availability and willingness to return to club football is still unknown, having announced he would take an extended break from management following his resignation from his England post.
Whether he fits United’s immediate ambitions to return to the top of the table is a very different question.
Thomas Tuchel
Although he is not currently the focus of the early betting markets after the sacking due to his England commitments, Thomas Tuchel remains a leading name who often appears in managerial speculation at elite clubs.
The German coach has built an excellent reputation through his spells at Europe’s biggest teams, including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, winning several major honors, including the Champions League, with Chelsea.
Tuchel’s coaching philosophy includes meticulous preparation and a strong emphasis on defensive organization, as evidenced by the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifying campaign which saw them finish 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 expires after the World Cup in 2026, and the German has given no indication he will stay beyond, especially if football does not come home.
A Tuchel tenure at Old Trafford would likely seek immediate improvements to structure and performance, but could also require significant alignment on transfers and long-term strategy, something Amorim has struggled with alongside manager Jason Wilcox.
Darren Fletcher
Darren Fletcher, a club legend and the man installed as caretaker manager following Amorim’s sacking, could also be seen as a candidate for the permanent job – although reports are emerging that the club want to appoint a caretaker manager until the end of the season.
Fletcher has deep roots in the Manchester United establishment, having amassed a wealth of experience as a player and coach within the club’s ranks, including working with youth and leadership development.
While Fletcher’s resume isn’t as extensive as those of the other names mentioned, his understanding of the club’s culture, ability to connect with players and constant presence during a turbulent time could make him a compelling internal option.
His immediate challenge will be to stabilize United’s league campaign and prepare the team for the matches ahead, tasks which could either strengthen his candidacy – as was the case with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – or reinforce the boardroom’s desire to pursue a more experienced external appointment.
