The search for Manchester United’s new manager has officially begun. After just 14 months in charge, Rúben Amorim was dismissed on Monday following his recent criticism of the club’s hierarchy at Old Trafford.
United currently sit sixth in the Premier League and remain in contention for a UEFA Champions League spot next season. According to BBC Sport, Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team for a few matches before the club appoints an interim manager until the end of the season.
The key question now is: who will take permanent charge of the Red Devils this summer?
Premier League–Proven Options
Following unsuccessful spells under Erik ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick, and most recently Amorim, there is growing debate at Old Trafford over whether United should appoint a manager with proven Premier League experience.
Unai Emery is one of the most frequently mentioned names. The Spaniard has done outstanding work at Aston Villa, transforming the club from relegation battlers into genuine contenders for European qualification and even the title. Villa currently sit third in the table, just six points behind leaders Arsenal. However, his mixed spell at Arsenal could be viewed as a drawback.
Another intriguing candidate is Andoni Iraola. He earned praise after Bournemouth finished ninth last season. Although the Cherries are currently on an 11-match winless run, it would be difficult for Iraola to turn down an offer from Manchester United.
Oliver Glasner, whose contract with Crystal Palace expires this summer, won the FA Cup last season, while Eddie Howe ended Newcastle’s long wait for a major trophy by lifting the Carabao Cup. Both could be tempted by a new challenge at Old Trafford.
Internal Appointments?
An internal solution is also being considered. Darren Fletcher, a former United midfielder and current U-18 coach, is 41 and spent 11 years playing under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Another natural candidate is Michael Carrick. The former United midfielder has been unemployed since being dismissed by Middlesbrough in June. Now 44, Carrick made 463 appearances for United over 12 years, winning 17 trophies before retiring in 2018. It remains to be seen whether he will still be available by the summer.
Kieran McKenna, the current Ipswich Town manager, is another name with United connections. The 39-year-old former United first-team coach has impressed in his first senior managerial role. He guided Ipswich to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions and, after relegation last season, has now led them to third place in the Championship. Another promotion would significantly strengthen his candidacy.
Could Ole Gunnar Solskjær return? While unlikely, the Norwegian remains available and is still beloved by supporters. His spell from 2018 to 2021 ended in disappointment, but perhaps it deserves greater recognition. Just over four years ago, United finished second in the Premier League under Solskjær, scoring 73 goals—more than in any season since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
Big Names from Europe
Across Europe, there is no shortage of options. Mauricio Pochettino, currently head coach of the United States national team, has long been linked with United. With the World Cup taking place in the U.S. this summer, United’s potential delay in making a permanent appointment could suit him.
Former Barcelona manager Xavi has been out of work since 2024, and a Premier League challenge would be highly appealing. Luis Enrique, who won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain as part of a treble last season, remains in charge in Paris but has already won everything domestically.
Zinedine Zidane has been without a job for four years since leaving Real Madrid, though questions remain over whether he is still waiting for the France national team role. Roberto De Zerbi, who has Premier League experience from his time at Brighton, is doing impressive work at Marseille, although his outspoken nature could clash with United’s hierarchy.
Gareth Southgate has also been linked with United for some time. Before Amorim’s appointment, he ruled himself out of management for at least a year after leaving England. Now, after being out of work since July 2024, could he be ready to return? Southgate managed England for 102 matches over eight years, reaching two European Championship finals and a World Cup semifinal. United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is known to admire him, though Southgate has not managed a club since leaving Middlesbrough 16 years ago.
Another available name is Enzo Maresca, who was dismissed by Chelsea last week. Free on the market, he could represent either a short-term solution or a long-term project.
The final decision will be crucial for Manchester United, a club desperate for stability and a return to the summit of English and European football.
