Manchester United is on the lookout for their seventh new manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim on Monday. In the interim, former United player Darren Fletcher will lead the team for their Premier League match against Burnley on Wednesday, as well as for the FA Cup third-round matchup at home against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. Sources indicate to ESPN that United has yet to determine whether to make a swift permanent appointment or to hold off until the summer, when several prominent coaches may become available after the FIFA World Cup.
Who might be in line to take over as the next manager at Old Trafford? Below are two shortlists United could be considering: one for a quick hire and another for a potential appointment at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Immediate Candidates
Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace manager is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of this season and has not yet negotiated a renewal. Glasner’s reputation is rising quickly after securing the FA Cup last season and leading Palace to the UEFA Conference League. He also won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, establishing his credentials as a successful manager.
The 51-year-old prefers a three-man defense, similar to Amorim, making him a suitable fit should United stick with that tactical vision. His available status due to contract issues adds to his appeal.
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Who could become Amorim’s successor at Manchester United?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens evaluate the managerial options for Manchester United following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.
Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town
The 39-year-old has steered Ipswich Town to two promotions and was interviewed for the Chelsea role in 2024 before the hiring of Enzo Maresca. Having been a part of both Jose Mourinho’s and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaching staff at United, McKenna possesses knowledge of many current players and prospects at the club.
While Ipswich aims for promotion back to the Premier League this season, an opportunity with United would likely be too significant to pass up if they come calling.
Gareth Southgate, Unemployed
The former England manager stepped down from his role following Euro 2024 and has not shown interest in returning to management. However, after leading England to two Euro finals and a World Cup semifinal, he has supporters at Old Trafford.
Being available means he would not require a compensation fee, making him an enticing option if he is interested.
– Ogden: Man United must go big with next manager after firing Amorim
– Marcotti: Analyzing Man City-Chelsea, Amorim’s departure from Man United, and more
– Dawson: The inside scoop on why Man United parted ways with Ruben Amorim
Xavi, Unemployed
The former Barcelona coach led the team to the 2022-23 LaLiga title during his three-year tenure before stepping down after the 2023-24 season. At 45, Xavi is eager to work in the Premier League, making him an appealing candidate.
However, his inexperience with Premier League teams and managing a demanding schedule may raise concerns for United, especially after recent hires Amorim and Erik ten Hag faced difficulties in adapting to the English game.
Michael Carrick, Unemployed
Carrick briefly served as United’s interim manager in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure, overseeing three matches. The 44-year-old has spent the last three years managing Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship.
Though he has shown little enthusiasm to return to management since leaving Boro at the end of last season, Carrick’s familiarity with United could provide stability until a permanent successor is found.
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Were Manchester United right to sack Ruben Amorim?
Mark Ogden discusses Manchester United’s decision to part ways with Ruben Amorim after 14 months.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Unemployed
Solskjaer remains a beloved figure among United fans for his contributions as a player on the treble-winning 1998-99 team and for implementing an exciting style during his managerial tenure from 2018 to 2021.
During his time in charge, United finished as runners-up in the 2020-21 Premier League, though defensive frailties ultimately led to his departure in November 2021 following several heavy defeats, including a 5-0 home loss to Liverpool. Solskjaer’s most recent role was managing Turkish club Besiktas, but he is available for an unlikely return to United.
Enzo Maresca, Unemployed
After recently parting ways with Chelsea, Maresca comes in as an obvious candidate. During his 18-month tenure at Stamford Bridge, he secured the Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. His relationships with United CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox could be beneficial, but Maresca’s possession-heavy philosophy may not align effectively with United’s current player roster.
Summer Candidates
Thomas Tuchel, England
The England manager had discussions with United about succeeding ten Hag in summer 2024, but decided against returning to club management. With his contract ending after the World Cup, he may be a candidate for a summer appointment.
At 52, Tuchel is an ideal fit for United, having won the Champions League with Chelsea and managing prestigious clubs like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. However, his reputation for being direct with his superiors might lead to administrative conflicts.
Mauricio Pochettino, United States
The current U.S. coach is under contract until after the World Cup, but sources suggest he will express interest in returning to club management once his international commitments conclude.
Pochettino has been a candidate for United three times in the last decade and was part of a final two-man shortlist alongside ten Hag in 2022 before losing out. With his Premier League experience and spells at major clubs like PSG, Chelsea, and Spurs, he would be well-suited for United.
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Laurens: Ruben Amorim’s departure from Man United was not unexpected
Julien Laurens and Gab Marcotti discuss the reasons behind the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil
The 66-year-old is under contract with Brazil until after the World Cup, but if United looks for an experienced coach with a stellar history, Ancelotti would be a prime candidate.
A multiple Champions League champion with AC Milan and Real Madrid, Ancelotti has significant experience with top clubs like Bayern Munich, Juventus, PSG, Napoli, and Chelsea. Although he commands a tall salary and would expect a reinvestment in players, his leadership would enhance United’s appeal to possible signings.
Julian Nagelsmann, Germany
Under contract until Euro 2028, Nagelsmann’s future may hinge on the outcome of the German team’s World Cup performance.
At just 38, Nagelsmann has rebuilt his reputation with the national team after an uneasy spell with Bayern Munich that ended in his dismissal in 2023. His preceding successes at TSG Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig have made him one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe.
Andoni Iraola, AFC Bournemouth
The Bournemouth manager has received acclaim for his success at the Vitality Stadium, transforming the Cherries into a consistently competitive side despite financial limitations.
While it remains uncertain if his high-energy style is compatible with the current United squad, Iraola’s proven Premier League experience keeps him in the conversation as a possible candidate for the role.