Manchester United Begins Search for New Manager Following Amorim's Dismissal
The search for Manchester United's next manager is underway.
Ruben Amorim was dismissed on Monday after just 14 months in charge, following his latest criticism of the club's management.
Currently, United sits sixth in the Premier League and remains in contention for Champions League qualification for the upcoming season.
According to BBC Sport, Darren Fletcher will temporarily manage the team for the next few matches until a caretaker manager is appointed for the remainder of the season.
As the club looks ahead, the question arises: who will be entrusted with the permanent managerial role this summer?
Premier League Contenders
With Erik ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick, and now Amorim all failing to succeed at United, should the club consider a manager with proven experience in the Premier League?
Unai Emery has successfully guided Aston Villa from the brink of relegation to a position of European contention this season, currently placing third in the league, just six points behind leaders Arsenal. However, his mixed tenure at Arsenal may raise concerns.
Andoni Iraola , who led Bournemouth to a ninth-place finish last season, could also be a candidate despite the Cherries currently enduring an 11-match winless streak. It would be a significant opportunity for Iraola, should it arise.
Oliver Glasner , whose contract with Crystal Palace expires this summer and who won the FA Cup last season, and Eddie Howe , who recently ended Newcastle's long wait for a major trophy with the Carabao Cup, are both potential candidates who may seek a new challenge.
Potential Internal Appointments
Could Manchester United's next permanent manager be someone from within the club?
Former midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher , 41, who spent 11 years at United under Sir Alex Ferguson, is a strong internal candidate.
Another option is former United midfielder Michael Carrick , who is currently without a job after his dismissal from Middlesbrough in June. The 44-year-old made 463 appearances for United, winning 17 trophies, before retiring in 2018.
Whether he remains available by summer is uncertain.
Kieran McKenna , the 39-year-old Ipswich Town manager and former United assistant, has made a strong impression in his first managerial role, leading Ipswich to consecutive promotions and currently positioning them third in the Championship. Another promotion this season would bolster his candidacy.
There has been speculation about a possible return for former United striker and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer . Although it may seem unlikely, he remains a fan favorite and is currently out of work. His previous three-year tenure saw United finish second in the Premier League and score the most goals in a season since Ferguson's departure in 2013.
International Candidates
Several prominent names across Europe could be on United's radar.
One name frequently associated with United is USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino . With the US co-hosting the World Cup this summer, United's preference for a delayed permanent appointment may align with his timeline.
Xavi , the former Barcelona manager, is another highly regarded candidate. Having been out of work since 2024, the opportunity to manage in the Premier League would likely be appealing.
Luis Enrique , who led Paris St-Germain to a Treble last season, is still at the helm of the French club but has already achieved significant success there.
Additionally, Zinedine Zidane , who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid four years ago, may still be holding out for the France national team job.
Roberto de Zerbi , known for his time at Brighton and currently performing well at Marseille, could also be a candidate, though his outspoken nature may concern United's management.
Other Potential Candidates
Gareth Southgate has long been linked with United but previously ruled himself out of the running before Amorim's appointment, stating he would not return to coaching for at least a year after leaving England. However, after being out of management since July 2024, he may be ready for a return.
Southgate managed England for 102 matches over eight years, leading them to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is known to support Southgate, although he has not managed at the club level since leaving Middlesbrough 16 years ago.
Another name to consider is Enzo Maresca , who was sacked by Chelsea last week and is now available, presenting a potential option for both the short and long term.