London, Jan 5: Manchester United have begun the process of appointing a new permanent manager following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, just 14 months into his tenure.
Amorim was relieved of his duties on Monday after his latest public criticism of the club’s hierarchy, bringing another short-lived managerial era at Old Trafford to an abrupt end. Despite the upheaval, United remain sixth in the Premier League and firmly in the race for Champions League qualification next season.
Former midfielder Darren Fletcher is expected to oversee the team for the next few matches, with a caretaker manager likely to be appointed until the end of the campaign. The club’s long-term choice, however, is expected to be made in the summer — and the list of potential candidates is extensive.
Proven Premier League options
After the unsuccessful spells of Erik ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick and Amorim, United may once again turn towards a manager with a proven track record in English football.
Unai Emery’s work at Aston Villa has earned widespread admiration. Having rescued the club from the brink of relegation, the Spaniard has transformed Villa into genuine title contenders. They currently sit third, just six points behind leaders Arsenal. However, doubts linger over whether Emery’s mixed spell at Arsenal could work against him.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is another name drawing interest. He led the Cherries to an impressive ninth-place finish last season, though the club are currently on an 11-match winless run.
Even so, Iraola’s reputation remains strong and an approach from United would be difficult to refuse.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, whose contract expires in the summer, is also in the conversation after guiding Palace to FA Cup success last season. Eddie Howe, meanwhile, enhanced his standing further by ending Newcastle United’s long wait for silverware with a Carabao Cup triumph.
Familiar faces and Old Trafford ties
United could also look closer to home. Fletcher, now 41 and currently in charge of the club’s Under-18 side, spent 11 years playing under Sir Alex Ferguson and is well versed in the club’s culture and demands.
Michael Carrick is another former United midfielder under consideration.
The 44-year-old has been out of work since leaving Middlesbrough last June. Carrick made 463 appearances for United during a 12-year spell, winning 17 trophies, and impressed briefly during his interim stint as first-team manager in 2021.
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, a former United assistant coach, has emerged as one of the most promising young managers in English football.
The 39-year-old guided Ipswich to back-to-back promotions into the Premier League and, following relegation last season, has them sitting third in the Championship once again. Another promotion would significantly bolster his case.
There is also the unlikely but intriguing possibility of a return for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Still popular with supporters, Solskjaer has been out of work since leaving United in 2021.
While his tenure ended in disappointment, his achievements — including a second-place Premier League finish in 2020-21 with 73 goals scored — are viewed more favourably in hindsight.
Continental heavyweights
United’s shortlist could stretch beyond England. Mauricio Pochettino, now head coach of the United States national team, has long been linked with the Old Trafford job. With the USA co-hosting the World Cup this summer, a delayed appointment could suit all parties.
Former Barcelona boss Xavi is currently unattached and would likely be tempted by the challenge of managing in the Premier League.
Luis Enrique, who led Paris St-Germain to a Champions League title as part of a treble last season, remains in charge but has already achieved everything domestically in France.Zinedine Zidane is still without a club four years after leaving Real Madrid, though speculation persists over whether he is holding out for the France national team role. Roberto De Zerbi, now doing impressive work at Marseille after his spell at Brighton, is another admired tactician — although his outspoken nature may be a concern for United’s hierarchy.
Other names in the frame
Gareth Southgate has long been linked with United but previously ruled himself out before Amorim’s appointment, stating he would take at least a year away from coaching after leaving the England job in July 2024.
Having guided England to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final, his credentials are undeniable, and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is known to be an admirer — despite Southgate’s lack of recent club experience.
Finally, Enzo Maresca is available after being sacked by Chelsea last week. He could appeal as both a short-term stabilising option and a longer-term project, should United prioritise continuity over another wholesale reset.
For now, United steady the ship once again. But with yet another managerial crossroads approaching, the decision they take this summer could shape the club’s direction for years to come. (Agencies)
