Six Top Contenders Ready to Take the Reins at Manchester United After Amorim's Departure
Manchester United acted swiftly in responding to Ruben Amorim's controversial statements, parting ways with the discontented manager early Monday morning.
Tensions regarding player signings and strategic planning eventually became insurmountable for both parties, while United's disappointing performance under Amorim's leadership certainly didn't strengthen his position, leaving the Red Devils searching for a new manager to spearhead their future endeavors.
Below are six potential candidates who might be considered for the role.
Oliver Glasner
Oliver Glasner's achievements at Crystal Palace using the same 3-4-3 system that Amorim stubbornly favored has been frequently discussed.
Though United executives are unlikely to share the same devotion to this controversial formation, they might recognize an opportunity to bring in a coach who can optimize a squad that's already been partially built around a 3-4-3 structure. Glasner's Palace deal expires this summer and renewal seems unlikely.
Palace would be demanding negotiators at this stage of the campaign if United approached them about Glasner, but United are accustomed to costly discussions regarding both players and coaches. Should they desire Glasner, they'll need to meet the asking price.
Michael Carrick
A favored option among United supporters would be former Red Devils midfielder Michael Carrick.
Carrick notably served a three-match period as United's interim manager in 2021, securing victories over Arsenal and Villarreal alongside a draw with Chelsea before Ralf Rangnick, and eventually Erik ten Hag, assumed control.
Following that, Carrick enhanced his credentials through a respectable tenure managing Middlesbrough, transforming the Yorkshire club from Championship relegation contenders into playoff contenders, though failing to secure promotion amid a disappointing decline in form led to his dismissal last summer.
The United position might be premature for Carrick currently, but the prospect of him joining as a temporary solution until season's end seems quite realistic.
Gareth Southgate
Prior to Amorim's arrival at United, it was former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate who was consistently mentioned as a potential candidate. Former director Dan Ashworth had a strong relationship with Southgate from their England collaboration and was reportedly enthusiastic about a potential partnership at Old Trafford.
Southgate remains unattached following his England exit in 2024 and could step in immediately. He has remained open to returning to management but has emphasized his need for any role to provide the "greater meaning" he experienced as England manager. Rebuilding United might satisfy that requirement.
While Ashworth is no longer at United to advocate for Southgate, perhaps current decision-makers will consider his previous recommendation from two years prior.
Enzo Maresca
Could one openly frustrated manager be succeeded by another?
Enzo Maresca recently departed his Chelsea position following his own dramatic deterioration in relations with club hierarchy at Stamford Bridge, creating an available Premier League-experienced manager with elite-level credentials seeking new opportunities.
Sources indicate Manchester City has considered Maresca as a potential long-term replacement for Pep Guardiola, but importantly, that vacancy doesn't currently exist. United can provide an immediate return to management that Maresca might find appealing.
There are clear concerns here, considering Maresca's Chelsea complaints resembled those voiced by Amorim, but both sides might find common ground to make this arrangement successful.
Andoni Iraola
Should United seek demonstrated Premier League success, Andoni Iraola represents another worthy candidate for consideration.
Similar to Glasner at Palace, Iraola has exceeded expectations at Bournemouth, developing a squad filled with players who've moved to Europe's top clubs in lucrative deals while maintaining impressive competitiveness. Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi all departed last summer and Antoine Semenyo, whom United pursued unsuccessfully, is expected to follow suit.
Iraola's Bournemouth contract also concludes this summer, though United might attempt to accelerate this acquisition with a proposal to the Cherries this month.
Xavi
Xavi has been carefully awaiting the ideal opportunity since leaving Barcelona in 2024, with the Premier League reportedly holding significant appeal for the legendary former midfielder.
Possessing a league championship and the distinction of being the manager who promoted Lamine Yamal to senior football, Xavi offers clear prestige and excitement for a club seeking both immediate results and sustainable development.
His current availability is clearly advantageous—as is the recent reporting that Xavi would eagerly accept an Old Trafford opportunity. This arrangement could be straightforward to finalize if United decides to move forward.