Manchester United have dismissed manager Ruben Amorim after 14 months in charge, a decision confirmed on Monday that has triggered intense speculation over who will take charge next at Old Trafford.
The club have placed under-18s coach Darren Fletcher in temporary control, while reports suggest United are considering appointing a caretaker manager to steer the team through the remainder of the season. The development marks another chapter in the club’s ongoing struggle for stability, as they look for a seventh permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013.
Several high-profile names are already being linked with the vacancy.
Oliver Glasner
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has emerged as a potential candidate after leading the London club to their first major honour with last season’s FA Cup triumph. The 51-year-old Austrian, whose contract expires at the end of the campaign, has attracted attention for his tactical flexibility. Although he has favoured a back-three system at Palace, Glasner has previously stated that a traditional 4-4-2 remains his preferred setup.
Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca is also on the radar following his recent departure from Chelsea after a breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy. The 45-year-old Italian enjoyed success in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, winning the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup. He has also been mentioned as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City should the Spaniard leave.
Gareth Southgate
Former England boss Gareth Southgate remains a long-standing admirer of the Old Trafford leadership. The 55-year-old has been linked with the United role in the past, though it is unclear whether he is keen on returning to club football after stepping down as England manager following Euro 2024.
Unai Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery continues to earn praise for revitalising the Midlands club. Since taking charge three years ago, the 54-year-old Spaniard has overseen a remarkable rise, including an impressive Champions League campaign last season. Villa are currently challenging the Premier League’s traditional heavyweights at the top of the table.
Darren Fletcher
Caretaker boss Darren Fletcher could yet enter the conversation if he impresses during his interim spell. The 41-year-old former United midfielder has no senior managerial experience, but his deep connection to the club and opportunity to make an impact mirror the path once taken by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who earned the role permanently after a successful caretaker stint.
Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel’s immediate focus is guiding England at the World Cup later this year. However, the 52-year-old German, who has previously managed Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, has indicated openness to extending his stay in international football, while a club of United’s stature could still prove tempting.
Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino is another familiar name in the United rumour mill. The 53-year-old Argentine, who has managed Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, is currently in charge of the United States national team and could be available after the World Cup.
Andoni Iraola
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has quietly built an impressive reputation since arriving in 2023. The 43-year-old Spaniard has delivered club-record Premier League points totals in successive seasons and has enjoyed notable success against United, including two 3-0 wins at Old Trafford and a dramatic 4-4 draw last month.
As United weigh their options, the search for the right fit continues, with supporters hoping the next appointment can finally bring long-term direction and stability back to the club.
