Manchester United has begun its search for a new manager following the conclusion of Ruben Amorim's 14-month tenure on Monday. The club is evaluating candidates for both an interim appointment until the end of the current season and a permanent, long-term manager to be appointed in the summer. Darren Fletcher, currently the Under-18s coach, has been appointed as interim manager, while preliminary discussions have also commenced with other former United players for a caretaker role.
Managerial Transition and Interim Plans
Ruben Amorim was dismissed on Monday, concluding his 14-month period as Manchester United manager. This marks the club's pursuit of its seventh permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013.
Darren Fletcher has been appointed as interim manager. The club has initiated preliminary discussions regarding the caretaker manager position until the conclusion of the current season. These talks, described as initial "sounding-out" phases, involve former United players Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Michael Carrick is considered a serious candidate for this temporary role. Ruud van Nistelrooy, another former United player, is also reportedly under consideration for a caretaker position. Director of football Jason Wilcox has reportedly engaged with these individuals.
Michael Carrick, a former United midfielder, had a three-match caretaker spell at the club in late 2021 following Ole Gunnar Solskjær's departure. He was previously dismissed by Middlesbrough in June after failing to secure promotion and has been unattached since. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer assumed a similar caretaker role in 2018 after Jose Mourinho's departure, subsequently becoming the full-time manager for three years before his exit in 2021. Darren Fletcher, who spent 20 years as a player at Manchester United, coached the club's under-16s before joining the first-team coaching staff in 2021 and was appointed lead coach of the under-18s in July last year.
Permanent Managerial Prospects
The club intends to appoint a permanent successor for Amorim during the summer. Several individuals have been identified as potential candidates for the long-term managerial role.
Leading Candidates-
Oliver Glasner: The 51-year-old Austrian, currently managing Crystal Palace, is identified as a prominent candidate and an early frontrunner. His contract with Palace expires at the end of the current campaign. Crystal Palace has attempted to extend his contract without success, and indications suggest he intends to depart as a free agent at the conclusion of his deal. This scenario implies Manchester United may need to await the summer for Glasner's availability or consider an interim manager. Crystal Palace has stated its determination to retain Glasner and has expressed no interest in releasing him early for compensation.
Glasner led Crystal Palace to an FA Cup victory last season and subsequently the Community Shield against Manchester City. Prior to Palace, he won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt. He assumed control at Palace in February 2024 when the club was 15th in the Premier League. He has reportedly expressed concerns regarding Palace's financial situation. His tactical approach includes a 3-4-2-1 formation, demonstrating flexibility, and he primarily utilizes a three-man defense with wingbacks at Palace, though he previously stated a preference for a 4-4-2 formation. The Manchester United hierarchy reportedly holds his work in high regard. Glasner addressed questions about the link during a press conference on Tuesday, stating: "I am Crystal Palace manager and it makes no sense for you to ask me any more questions about it."
Reported Market Odds: 4/1 -
Roberto De Zerbi: The Italian coach, currently managing Marseille, remains a candidate. He was previously interviewed by United during a managerial review in the summer of 2024. Admiration for De Zerbi persists, and he is reportedly interested in managing a club of Manchester United's profile. His departure from Marseille mid-season is considered unlikely, suggesting United may need to await the summer for his availability. De Zerbi has expressed a desire to return to the Premier League and possesses English football experience from his time as Brighton's head coach.
Reported Market Odds: 16/1 -
Enzo Maresca: The 45-year-old Italian departed Chelsea last week, citing dissatisfaction with behind-the-scenes support and recruitment control. During his inaugural season at Stamford Bridge, he secured the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup titles. He has reportedly engaged in discussions with Manchester City and Juventus regarding future roles and has been linked with the Manchester City job should Pep Guardiola step down.
Reported Market Odds: 6/1
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Sir Gareth Southgate: The 55-year-old former England manager has been linked with the position previously and is reportedly viewed favorably by Manchester United's leadership. He recently indicated a potential reluctance to return to club management. His tenure with England included reaching two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. He was reportedly considered by former sporting director Dan Ashworth. His interest in returning to club management after concluding his role with the England national team post-Euro 2024 is currently unconfirmed.
Reported Market Odds: 10/1 -
Unai Emery: The 54-year-old Spaniard has improved Aston Villa's performance since taking over three years ago. He led the team in a Champions League campaign last season, and his side is currently competing at the top of the Premier League alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.
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Thomas Tuchel: The 52-year-old German recently departed Bayern Munich and has indicated openness to future managerial roles.
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Mauricio Pochettino: Pochettino, 53, recently concluded his tenure at Chelsea and has been previously linked with the Manchester United role. His managerial record includes tenures at Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham, and PSG. His recent spell at Chelsea included reports indicating challenges with the club's management structure. Source 1 reports he is currently manager of the United States national team for the upcoming World Cup.
Reported Market Odds: 16/1 -
Andoni Iraola: Spain's Andoni Iraola, 43, has achieved club-record Premier League points totals in his initial two seasons since taking over at Bournemouth in 2023. His three visits to Old Trafford as Bournemouth boss have included two 3-0 victories and a 4-4 draw.
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Marco Silva: He has achieved results with Fulham on a limited budget, following previous spells at Hull City and Everton. His time at Everton drew criticism for an inability to adapt to the club's scale. He is understood to be receptive to a role at Manchester United.
Reported Market Odds: 12/1 -
Kieran McKenna: Previously interviewed for the position during a period of pressure on Erik ten Hag. He has garnered recognition during his tenure at Ipswich Town and is a former Manchester United coach, having served as assistant manager under Jose Mourinho.
Reported Market Odds: 14/1 -
Julian Nagelsmann: Currently managing the German national team, slated to participate in the World Cup. He has been consistently linked with prominent club roles, following a period at Bayern Munich and having managed Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig. He is expected to return to club football, and a move for Nagelsmann would likely require United to wait until after the World Cup.
Reported Market Odds: 16/1 -
Eddie Howe: He has achieved results at Bournemouth and continued this at Newcastle United, winning the Carabao Cup last season. His release clause is estimated to exceed £8 million. He has reportedly expressed reservations about joining a club with a management structure where recruitment is managed by individuals such as Jason Wilcox.
Reported Market Odds: 25/1