Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and former England boss Gareth Southgate are among the early favorites to succeed Rubén Amorim as the head coach of Manchester United.
The Portuguese coach was fired by the Red Devils after 14 months in charge, a spell that ended with the club’s worst-ever Premier League finish, 15th in 2024-25.
Amorim exit confirmed after Leeds draw
United had shown signs of improvement in the early stages of this season and currently sit sixth in the standings following Sunday’s 1-1 draw away to Leeds United. However, Amorim’s departure was heavily rumored in the hours that followed, before being confirmed on Monday.
Despite the uptick in results, patience ultimately ran out at Old Trafford.
Why Amorim was fired by Manchester United
Although United had failed to meet expectations under the 40-year-old, Amorim’s dismissal is understood to have stemmed primarily from a breakdown in relations with director of football Jason Wilcox.
According to reports in England, the former Sporting coach was frustrated by the lack of planned activity in the January transfer window. Wilcox, meanwhile, was said to be unhappy with Amorim’s perceived lack of tactical flexibility.
Darren Fletcher takes over... for now
Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been named interim manager and will take charge until a permanent appointment is made.
Fletcher, who made 342 appearances for the club between 2003 and 2015, had been working as United’s Under-18s coach prior to his unexpected promotion.
Contenders to replace Amorim at United
Glasner, who guided Crystal Palace to their first major trophy by winning the FA Cup last season, has emerged as the early frontrunner to replace Amorim.
Southgate is also among the bookmakers’ favorites after leading England to European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024.
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández, and ex-United players Laurent Blanc and Michael Carrick have also been touted as potential candidates.