MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United announced the dismissal of manager Ruben Amorim on Monday, marking the seventh managerial change at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2014. The Portuguese coach, who had been in charge for just 14 months, leaves Old Trafford amid a disappointing season that has seen United struggle in the Premier League and European competitions. Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been appointed as interim manager and will lead the team for Wednesday's Premier League match away at Burnley and the FA Cup third-round tie at home against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
Sources close to the club told ESPN that United's hierarchy has not yet decided whether to pursue a permanent appointment immediately or hold off until the summer, when several high-profile coaches may become available following the FIFA World Cup. This uncertainty comes as United seek to stabilize a squad that has underperformed despite significant investments. Amorim's exit follows a pattern of short tenures, with previous managers including Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Erik ten Hag all failing to deliver sustained success.
The search for Amorim's replacement has already sparked speculation about potential candidates, with ESPN reporting on two shortlists: one for an immediate hire and another for a possible summer appointment at the end of the 2025-26 season. Among the names for a quick appointment is Oliver Glasner, the current Crystal Palace coach. The 51-year-old Austrian is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of this season and has not yet agreed to a new deal. Glasner guided Palace to victory in last season's FA Cup and has secured their place in the UEFA Conference League, building on his Europa League triumph with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022.
Glasner's tactical preference for a three-man defense aligns closely with Amorim's system, making him a potential seamless fit if United wish to maintain that structure, according to ESPN analysts. His availability without a hefty compensation fee adds to his appeal. Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens, in an ESPN assessment, highlighted Glasner's rising stock, noting his proven ability as a trophy winner in recent roles.
Another candidate for an immediate role is Kieran McKenna, the 39-year-old manager of Ipswich Town. McKenna has orchestrated two promotions for Ipswich and was interviewed for the Chelsea job in 2024 before Enzo Maresca's appointment. His prior experience at United, working under Mourinho and Solskjaer, gives him intimate knowledge of the club's players and youth prospects. Despite Ipswich's current push for promotion back to the Premier League, sources suggest United's stature would make the opportunity irresistible for McKenna.
Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, emerges as a free agent option after stepping down following Euro 2024. At 55, Southgate has shown little interest in returning to management since guiding England to two Euro finals and the 2018 World Cup semifinal. However, he has admirers at Old Trafford, and his availability means no compensation would be required. ESPN's Mark Ogden emphasized in a recent column that United must "go big" with their next appointment after Amorim's sacking, positioning Southgate as a steady, if unconventional, choice.
Xavi Hernandez, the 45-year-old former Barcelona coach, is also reportedly keen on a Premier League move. Xavi led Barca to the 2022-23 LaLiga title during his three-year stint but has been out of work since the end of the 2023-24 season. While his availability is a plus, concerns linger over his lack of experience in English football's intense fixture schedule, a challenge that tripped up both Amorim and ten Hag. Sources told ESPN that Xavi's possession-oriented style could require squad adjustments at United.
Michael Carrick, 44, represents an internal, low-risk option. The former United midfielder served as interim boss for three games in 2021 after Solskjaer's departure and spent three years managing Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship before leaving at the end of last season. Carrick's familiarity with the United setup could provide stability through to the summer, though he has not publicly expressed eagerness to return to management.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, another United legend, remains popular among fans for his playing role in the 1998-99 treble-winning team and his attacking approach during his 2018-2021 managerial spell. Under Solskjaer, United finished as 2020-21 Premier League runners-up, but defensive frailties led to his exit in November 2021 after heavy losses, including a 5-0 home defeat to Liverpool. Now 51 and unemployed since leaving Besiktas in August, a return seems unlikely but not impossible given his enduring appeal.
Enzo Maresca, recently dismissed from Chelsea after 18 months, brings recent Premier League exposure. During his time at Stamford Bridge, Maresca oversaw success in the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. His past collaborations with United's CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox at Manchester City could ease a transition. However, his possession-based philosophy might clash with United's current squad dynamics, per ESPN reports.
Looking toward the summer, Thomas Tuchel, currently managing England, discussed the United job with the club in summer 2024 before recommitting to international duty. His contract expires after the World Cup, and at 52, Tuchel's resume includes a Champions League win with Chelsea, plus stints at Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. Yet, his outspoken nature and history of clashing with executives raise questions about long-term harmony at Old Trafford.
Mauricio Pochettino, 53, who is under contract with the United States until after the World Cup, has been linked to United three times in the past decade. He was a finalist alongside ten Hag in 2022. With Premier League experience at Tottenham, Chelsea, and Southampton, plus big-club stints at PSG, Pochettino's credentials make him a strong contender. Sources told ESPN he would be open to club management post-internationals.
Carlo Ancelotti, the 66-year-old Brazil coach contracted until after the World Cup, offers unparalleled experience. A multiple Champions League winner with AC Milan and Real Madrid, Ancelotti has managed elite clubs like Bayern Munich, Juventus, PSG, Napoli, and Chelsea, as well as a more modest spell at Everton. He would demand high wages and quality signings but could elevate United's attractiveness to top talents.
Julian Nagelsmann, 38, leads Germany until Euro 2028, but his future may hinge on the World Cup. After rebuilding his reputation internationally following a turbulent Bayern Munich tenure that ended in his 2023 sacking, Nagelsmann's earlier successes at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig keep him in high regard. His youth and innovative style could appeal to United's long-term vision.
Andoni Iraola rounds out the list as Bournemouth's manager, where he has transformed the club into a budget-overperforming side in the Premier League. The Spaniard's high-energy approach has earned praise, though its suitability for United's squad remains uncertain. As one of the few with direct, ongoing Premier League success, Iraola is likely under consideration.
The sacking of Amorim, as recapped by Julien Laurens and Gab Marcotti on ESPN, underscores the mounting pressures at United, from poor results to internal expectations under co-owners including Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Ogden's reaction highlighted the need for a bold choice to end the cycle of instability. As Fletcher prepares for his interim games, the club's decision on timing could shape the remainder of the season and beyond, with fans and analysts alike watching closely for signs of direction.
United's next steps will be pivotal, potentially influencing transfer strategies and youth development. With the Premier League table unforgiving and European spots at stake, the board faces a high-stakes recruitment akin to past searches that yielded mixed results. Reports suggest internal discussions are ongoing, but no timeline has been confirmed.