5 Managers Manchester United Could Turn to After Ruben Amorim

Boardroom presents a few potential names that could step in as the Premier League club begins another high-stakes managerial search.

Manchester United‘s new year began in disarray, as the club announced Monday the dismissal of Ruben Amorim as head coach. This doesn’t come as much of a shock, given the controversial comments he made about front office leadership and specifics regarding player recruitment and strategy. It’s a familiar feeling for both the Red Devils and their fanbase, as the next will be the seventh manager since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

As the club prepares for the second half of the Premier League, sitting currently in sixth but within reach of playing European football next season, head coach of Man United Under-18s Darren Fletcher will be tasked with interim managerial duties until a permanent replacement is named. Reports suggest United will wait until the season is complete (and more leaders become available after the World Cup) to choose Amorim’s successor. Whoever’s entrusted with bringing the team back to long-term success has their work cut out for them, from recruiting top talent across England and beyond to ensuring academy players are ready for promotion to the senior team.

It’s one of the most important jobs in football, and perhaps also equally as ambitious (as history has proven). As the search begins once again, here are five names who could take charge at Old Trafford.

Xavi

The Barcelona great hasn’t worked since the 2023-24 season, but in his three-year stint at Camp Nou, Xavi led Barça to a LaLiga title in 2022-23. Managing one of Spain’s most popular clubs is no easy feat, but unfortunately, it doesn’t level up to the demands of English football. The fixture schedule is arduous, the pace is far different, and room for error is less forgiving. In spite of that, the 45-year-old has expressed interest in a Premier League opportunity, has lifted trophies in both his professional and coaching career, and arguably, the most attractive reason is that he is available immediately to take the reins.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær

The ex-United forward previously managed the team from 2018-2021, and under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, United finished as Premier League runners-up in 2020-21. While his era showcased some of United’s best attacking in the post-Sir Alex years, the defense remained sorely horrendous, which explains his exit. His dismissal always gave the impression Solskjær could return in some way, even in a caretaker capacity, before a permanent successor is hired. This feels improbable, but United fans (myself included) are always manifesting for retired legends to return to the club in some capacity.

Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick would be a romantic and low-risk cultural choice, but a high-uncertainty footballing move. Having spent the majority of his professional career in Manchester, he understands the club’s identity, commands natural respect, and has done impressive work at Middlesbrough, particularly in developing young players and implementing possession-based football. He also brings calm authority, clear communication, and tactical pragmatism, adapting to his squad rather than forcing a rigid system. However, he’s still early in his managerial career and may be better suited as a future United manager rather than the right appointment right now.

*Carrick with his Middlesbrough FC squad after the Sky Bet Championship match in March 2025. (Molly Darlington / Getty Images)*

Oliver Glasner

With his contract with Crystal Palace set to expire at the end of the year, Oliver Glasner could work tactically, as he brings strong structure, pressing discipline, and a clear system, areas where United have struggled. His success in Europe shows he can prepare teams well for big matches. However, United’s chaos, media pressure, and squad politics make it a risky fit for Glasner, who thrives best in stable, well-aligned environments. Overall, it’s an intelligent but high-risk appointment without strong backing and patience from the club.

Gareth Southgate

Given his background in managing the England national team, Gareth Southgate would be a safer cultural fit for United, but a weaker footballing one. He excels at man-management, media handling, and building unity, which United badly need, and he understands the pressure of mentoring high-profile players. However, his club-level track record is limited, and his cautious, low-risk football would likely frustrate fans and struggle to close the gap to elite sides. Overall, Southgate might stabilize United off the pitch, but he’s unlikely to elevate them tactically to a title-challenging level.