Manchester United’s Next Chapter: Who Replaces Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford?

The Old Trafford faithful barely had time to digest their New Year’s resolutions before another seismic shift rocked Manchester United. In the first week of 2026, the club announced the dramatic departure of manager Ruben Amorim, plunging the Red Devils into yet another high-stakes search for leadership. Amorim’s tenure, marked by erratic performances and simmering frustrations over player recruitment and tactical direction, reached a boiling point after a 1-1 draw with Leeds. His public assertion that he was there to ‘manage the club, not just coach’ – despite his official title as ‘head coach’ – coupled with his stated intention to leave in 18 months, proved to be the final straw for the club’s hierarchy, as reported by DAZN News.

Now, with the managerial hot seat vacant, the football world is abuzz with speculation. United finds itself at a familiar crossroads, needing to find a figure capable of unifying the squad, delivering consistent results, and aligning with the ‘wider structure’ that the new INEOS ownership, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is keen to implement. While Darren Fletcher has been handed the reins on an interim basis, an audition for the long-term role, the club is reportedly leaning towards a more considered, permanent appointment in the summer.

The Interim and Club Stalwarts: Fletcher and Carrick’s Immediate Prospects

Stepping into the breach is **Darren Fletcher**, a name synonymous with Manchester United. Having joined the club as an 11-year-old, Fletcher went on to make nearly 350 appearances, securing five Premier League titles during United’s glory years. Since retiring, his coaching journey has been exclusively within the club, managing the under-16s and under-18s, and even serving a brief stint as technical director. While his deep connection to the club is undeniable and he’s now undergoing an audition, it’s widely doubted that he’s seen as the long-term solution. However, Fletcher has a history of defying expectations, and this interim period could be his chance to prove doubters wrong, extending his ‘prove people wrong’ mentality into his first senior managerial post.

Another familiar face often floated by fans is **Michael Carrick**. The former United midfielder famously took charge as caretaker manager in 2021, navigating a three-game unbeaten run that included victories over Arsenal and Villarreal. His subsequent spell at Middlesbrough saw him transform the Championship side from relegation candidates into promotion hopefuls. Yet, a failure to reach the playoffs, culminating in his sacking last summer, raises questions about his readiness for the immense pressure of Old Trafford. While a full-time appointment might be a step too far for Carrick at this moment, the idea of him returning as an interim until the season’s end remains plausible, offering a short-term, fan-friendly solution.

Established Premier League Pedigree: Glasner, Southgate, and Iraola in Focus

Among the leading contenders for a summer appointment, **Oliver Glasner** stands out. His impressive work at Crystal Palace has been a consistent talking point, particularly his success with the 3-4-3 formation, a system Amorim was also known for. Glasner led the Eagles to their first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup, in 2025, following it up with a Community Shield victory. United’s INEOS owners reportedly view him as a top candidate, appreciating his tactical adaptability despite stylistic questions about his suitability for a possession-dominant team, as noted by The Independent. His contract at Selhurst Park is set to expire this summer, making him an attractive, albeit potentially expensive, target should United decide to pay up for his services.

Then there’s **Gareth Southgate**, the former England boss who departed his national team role in 2024. Before Amorim’s arrival, Southgate was repeatedly linked with United, with former director Dan Ashworth reportedly a big admirer. Southgate’s ability to foster unity and implement strong man-management, which transformed the perception of the Three Lions, is exactly what many believe United needs. He’s highly thought of by Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s decision-makers, making a return to club management appealing after his successful international reign. However, the lingering doubt remains his club record, particularly his failure to keep Middlesbrough in the Premier League during his previous club tenure.

Another manager who has punched above his weight in the Premier League is **Andoni Iraola**. At Bournemouth, he has consistently built competitive sides despite seeing key players like Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, and Illia Zabarnyi depart for Europe’s elite. Iraola’s contract is also due to expire this summer, presenting United with another potentially accessible option for a permanent appointment. His proven ability to develop talent and maintain competitiveness with limited resources could be a significant draw for a club looking to rebuild sustainably.

Tactical Innovators and Global Figures: Maresca, Xavi, McKenna, and Blanc

The possibility of replacing one publicly disgruntled manager with another arises with **Enzo Maresca**. He recently left Chelsea following a ‘spectacular breakdown’ in his relationship with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, citing a lack of control – concerns strikingly similar to Amorim’s. While Maresca boasts Premier League experience, having won promotion with Leicester and delivered both the Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup for Chelsea, his playing style and ability to make crucial in-game changes have drawn criticism from fan bases. Manchester City has reportedly eyed Maresca as a long-term successor to Pep Guardiola, but United could offer him an immediate return to management, though both parties would need to compromise on their beliefs to make it work.

From the world stage, **Xavi** presents an intriguing option. Having patiently awaited the right opportunity since his departure from Barcelona in 2024, the iconic former midfielder is thought to be keen on a move to the Premier League. With a La Liga title under his belt and the prestige of giving Lamine Yamal his senior debut, Xavi brings a blend of immediate success and the promise of long-term structural development. His immediate availability is a significant advantage, and reports from just a few months ago suggested he would ‘jump at the chance’ to take over at Old Trafford, potentially making this a straightforward deal for United if they choose to pursue it.

A former United coach, **Kieran McKenna**, is also firmly in the conversation. After cutting his coaching teeth at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Ralf Rangnick, McKenna embarked on his first managerial role with Ipswich Town in 2021. He led the ‘Tractor Boys’ to back-to-back promotions, bringing them back to the Premier League after a twenty-five-year absence. While his first season in the top flight didn’t go to plan, with Ipswich failing to survive, he remains highly regarded. The question for McKenna, however, is whether he’s ready to leave the stable environment of Portman Road, where Ipswich is now a Championship promotion contender, for the inherent ‘craziness’ of Manchester United.

Finally, another former Manchester United player, **Laurent Blanc**, could be a wildcard. The World Cup winner, who lifted the Premier League title with United in 2003, has had a varied managerial career, including league titles with Bordeaux and PSG, and a domestic double with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia before leaving in September. Currently without a job, Blanc might not be the most obvious or ‘attractive’ option for some, given he’s somewhat dropped off the radar for top-tier European clubs. However, his experience and availability could make him a shrewd, low-risk move for United if they are looking for a manager with a point to prove.

The Wildcard: Julian Nagelsmann and the Summer Strategy

Beyond these prominent names, **Julian Nagelsmann** emerges as a significant wildcard. United’s increasingly influential recruitment director, Christopher Vivell, knows Nagelsmann’s work well from their shared time at Red Bull. The German manager, currently leading his national team, may be looking for a return to club football after the 2026 World Cup. His innovative tactics and ability to work within a modern club structure could align well with INEOS’s vision, making him a compelling, albeit delayed, option.

United’s preference to wait until the summer for a permanent appointment suggests a desire for a measured, strategic decision rather than a reactive one. This approach allows them to thoroughly assess candidates, negotiate contracts without immediate pressure, and ensure the chosen manager fits not just the team’s needs but also the wider club philosophy being established by INEOS. Much will depend on how quickly Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a permanent appointment, but the current sentiment points towards patience.

The departure of Ruben Amorim, while sudden, offers Manchester United a fresh opportunity to recalibrate its trajectory under new ownership. The sheer breadth of candidates, from club legends to international stalwarts and tactical innovators, underscores the complexity of the task ahead. Ultimately, success will hinge not just on the manager’s individual brilliance, but on their capacity to integrate seamlessly into INEOS’s evolving structure, fostering a culture of long-term stability and shared purpose that has been conspicuously absent at Old Trafford for far too long.