Football writer Sam Cunningham on Man Utd’s options following Amorim’s departure and what the managerial change could mean for the squad.
The hunt for Sir Alex Ferguson’s long-term successor continues after Ruben Amorim left Manchester United this week.
Amorim’s comments following a draw with Leeds United revealed heightened tensions and, less than 24 hours later, brought a swift end to the Portuguese’s 14 months at Old Trafford.
He became the latest manager unable to steer Man Utd back to the dominant years enjoyed under Sir Alex before the Scot left in 2013, in what was the second shortest spell among permanent managers, behind only David Moyes – the first post-Ferguson coach lasting only eight months.
During Amorim’s time in charge, he recorded the worst win ratio – 32 per cent – conceded the most goals per game – 1.53 – and kept the fewest clean sheets – 15 per cent – of any Man Utd manager in the Premier League. Last season, they finished 15th and lost in the UEFA Europa League final.
He departs with the club in sixth place – out of touch with the leading pack but still only three points behind fourth-place Liverpool with every chance that the new head coach can qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
But where do they turn now?
Man Utd’s executive team face a monumental decision that they need to get right – and they will take their time.
Former Man Utd midfielder Darren Fletcher has swapped managing the Under-18s to take interim charge for a few games, becoming the sixth interim manager since Ferguson retired.
The club are seeking a caretaker manager until the end of the season, when they will make a permanent appointment. That caretaker, however, is not expected to be Fletcher, BBC Sport report.
Which managers are available in world football at the moment?
Enzo Maresca has emerged as one of the most intriguing candidates. The Italian left Chelsea on New Year’s Day and is available now, although whether he would accept an interim role remains to be seen.
Sir Gareth Southgate was linked with the job in the past and has not taken a managerial job since he stepped down as England manager in 2024 after leading the nation to two UEFA European Championship finals and a FIFA World Cup semi-final.
An interim position might appeal, although it would likely be accepted only with guarantees of the permanent role if it goes well.
Xavi, who won LaLiga at Barcelona in 2023, has been out of work since he left the Spanish club in 2024 and could be another who is open to a short-term appointment leading to the possibility of the role longer-term.
Zinedine Zidane, a serial trophy winner at Real Madrid, is a high-profile coach currently available, but he has not managed a club in four years and is an unlikely appointment at this stage.
Meanwhile, Ruud van Nistelrooy impressed in a brief four-game interim spell in charge at Man Utd before Amorim’s appointment and remains out of work after leaving Leicester City in the summer – another possibility to coach the team until the summer.
Watch: Michael Owen on who could replace Amorim at Man Utd
Who suits Man Utd’s style of play and club model?
There are four managers who particularly fit Man Utd’s desired style – of dominating the ball, pressing high and attacking with intensity – well.
Thomas Tuchel ticks all the right boxes, and would also slip smoothly into the head coach model that was a point of friction for Amorim at the end. Tuchel’s contract with England expires after the World Cup – aligning to Man Utd’s appointment timeline.
The German has said he enjoys coaching England, but a return to club football might tempt him away.
Mauricio Pochettino will lead the USA into a home World Cup but will then be available, and plays the type of football that will appeal to Man Utd’s executives. Pochettino, however, struggled to fit into the head coach structure at Chelsea, which may be an issue in any talks.
Another to consider is Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian has further enhanced his reputation at Marseille. The French side are on course to qualify for the Champions League in successive seasons playing exciting attacking football.
Julian Nagelsmann should also not be discounted. The 38-year-old has been in charge of Germany since 2023 and, while his contract runs until Euro 2028, he has developed a reputation as one of the leading up-and-coming managers earlier in his career.
Who are the names being linked in the media?
The Telegraph report that Oliver Glasner, the Crystal Palace manager, is likely to be a top target for the summer. Glasner has impressed with his style of football and, in particular, winning the FA Cup last season against the odds.
The Austrian, who also won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, is reportedly of contract at Palace at the end of the season, which would save Man Utd paying out for compensation.
Which coaches have Man Utd connections?
Kieran McKenna, the former Man Utd assistant manager, was a name discussed when the club were searching for a replacement for Erik ten Hag, rising to prominence by leading Ipswich Town to back-to-back promotions into the Premier League. Ipswich were relegated last season but are in contention for a return to the top flight.
Michael Carrick, the former Man Utd midfielder, is out of work after being relieved from his first managerial role, at Middlesbrough, last summer. With his links to the Ferguson era and managerial experience, Carrick could make an ideal interim appointment.
As would former head coach and fan-favourite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, available after leaving Besiktas last summer.
What does it mean for the players?
Kobbie Mainoo was surprisingly overlooked by Amorim and could well be a big winner from the Portuguese’s departure. Amorim said in December he wanted the 20-year-old to move on loan in the January window, while many fans want to see the academy graduate, who was flourishing before Amorim arrived, in the first team.
Amorim was reportedly a reason behind Marcus Rashford leaving Man Utd – first on loan to Aston Villa in January 2025 and then to Barcelona on a season-long loan for this campaign.
The forward is impressing in Spain, but if a deal can’t be made permanent then the removal of Amorim could open the door for an Old Trafford return, whereas previously that appeared an impossibility.
Benjamin Sesko has failed to flourish since a reported big-money move in the summer from RB Leipzig – scoring only twice.
Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee have been unable to establish a foothold in the team under Amorim and may benefit from a change of coach.