Man Utd news: Five contenders to replace Ruben Amorim as manager
Manchester United are once again searching for a new manager after parting ways with Ruben Amorim on Monday, January 5.
Appointed in November 2024, Amorim was relieved of his duties after 63 games in charge, marking the club’s shortest managerial tenure since David Moyes’ departure in 2014.
In a club statement, Manchester United said: “The club leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.”
Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been appointed interim first-team manager while the club assesses long-term options.
Amorim’s time in charge recorded the lowest win percentage (32%), goals conceded per game (1.53) and clean sheet ratio (15%) of any Manchester United manager.
His departure follows reports of strained relations with senior club figures, linked to concerns over his ‘emotional and inconsistent’ behaviour and unwillingness to adapt from his preferred 3-4-3 system.
Speaking on January 4, Amorim suggested he may consider leaving the club at the end of his contract, expressing the desire to “work as a manager, not a coach.”
In the wake of his dismissal, Manchester United are once again searching for their next managerial appointment, with several candidates already emerging.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Alex Rhodes looks at the main contenders to replace Amorim.
Enzo Maresca
Recently dismissed by Chelsea, the 45-year-old has been linked with a swift return to Premier League management.
Across 92 matches at Stamford Bridge, Maresca won 55, recording a 59.8%-win rate.
During his time in London, the club secured Champions League qualification, as well as winning the Europa Conference League and, more recently, the FIFA Club World Cup.
Like Amorim, his departure was reportedly related to disagreements with the club hierarchy.
However, his close links with Manchester United’s CEO, Omar Berrara, and Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, after spending time together at Manchester City, may lead to greater cohesion from the board should he be appointed.
Oliver Glasner
Since taking charge of Crystal Palace in March 2024, the Austrian has overseen one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
The Austrian guided Palace from a relegation team to winning their first major trophy in May 2025, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup Final. This was followed by a 3-2 win on penalties over Liverpool in the 2025 Community Shield.
As well as this, they have produced club record back-to-back points-scoring seasons in the Premier League, tallying nine points more than Manchester United in 2025.
Glasner’s contract expires at the end of this season, with uncertainty surrounding his future.
He has publicly expressed his frustration with Palace’s recruitment strategy, particularly following the sale of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal for £67million without significant reinvestment.
His tactical ability and experience working with limited resources may appeal to those at Manchester United.
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Darren Fletcher
Darren Fletcher has been named the interim manager of Manchester United and is set to take charge of his first game against Burnley on Wednesday, January 7 at Turf Moor.
Fletcher joined the club at age 11, making 342 appearances in midfield, scoring 24 goals, and lifting five Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League.
Since retiring, the Scotsman has worked exclusively at the club, most recently managing the U18s, who currently sit second in the U18 Premier League North, behind rivals Manchester City.
He previously served as the club’s technical director before Jason Wilcox assumed the role.
Fletcher favours a 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on building from the back and playing with high intensity.
His experience with the club’s culture, players and hierarchy may prove an advantage in the short term.
However, Manchester United have previously appointed a former player permanently following an interim spell, Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Given the outcome of that appointment, the club may take greater caution when assessing Fletcher’s performance.
Xavi Hernández
One of the greatest midfielders of all time, Xavi Hernández, transitioned into management, leading Barcelona to the La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup in 2023.
He departed at the end of the following season after a run of inconsistent results.
During his tenure, Xavi achieved a win rate of 63.6% over 143 matches.
His teams focused on possession-based football, building from the back, highlighting individual brilliance and using the full width of the pitch.
The Spaniard has faced criticism for a perceived lack of tactical alternatives in difficult matches, displaying inconsistency when making in-game decisions.
Nevertheless, his footballing philosophy and pedigree could offer Manchester United a defined identity that has been absent in recent seasons.
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Gareth Southgate
Former England manager Gareth Southgate has demonstrated an ability to guide teams deep into international tournaments.
Under his leadership, England reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, as well as the Euros finals in 2020 and 2024, finishing runners-up on both occasions.
His management style is characterised by empathy, positive culture and emotional intelligence.
The former England defender has been critiqued for his ability to make tactical decisions during important matches.
However, his ethos and ability to stabilise dressing rooms may be a significant asset for a Manchester United squad seeking greater cohesion.
Verdict
Manchester United have employed 10 managers in 12 years, highlighting a lack of stability.
In comparison, since 1996 Arsenal have had three permanent managers, most recently backing Mikel Arteta through a rebuilding process that has produced a title-challenging side, with Arsenal currently six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Whether United can break their recent form of short-term appointments remains to be seen.
Whichever direction the club decides, greater patience and structural support will be essential if they are to return to sustained success.
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