Manchester United have once again found themselves at the center of managerial upheaval after announcing the sacking of Ruben Amorim on January 5, 2026. The decision, made official just a day after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United, signals yet another chapter in the club’s ongoing quest for stability and success following Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure over a decade ago. With Darren Fletcher stepping in as interim manager, the Red Devils are embarking on a high-stakes search for a permanent successor—one that has already sparked intense speculation and debate among fans and pundits alike.
The writing seemed to be on the wall for Amorim in the days leading up to his dismissal. Appointed in November 2024, Amorim guided Manchester United to the UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May 2025, but his tenure was marred by inconsistent league form and, more recently, a public falling out with the club’s hierarchy. The final straw was his fiery post-match press conference after the Leeds stalemate, where he declared, “I just want to say that I’m going to be the manager of this team, not just the coach. I was really clear on that. That is going to finish in 18 months and then everyone is going to move on. That was the deal.”
His comments, seen by many as a direct challenge to the club’s football structure and recruitment policies, reportedly accelerated a decision that had already been brewing behind closed doors. As Manchester United sat sixth in the Premier League, the leadership made the call to “give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish,” according to the official club statement. The club thanked Amorim for his contributions and wished him well for the future—a familiar refrain in recent years at Old Trafford.
With Amorim out, Darren Fletcher, a club legend and respected figure in the dressing room, has been tasked with steadying the ship—at least temporarily. He will take charge for the upcoming clash against Burnley, with bookmakers listing him as a 5/1 shot to land the job on a permanent basis. However, the consensus is that United are eyeing a more experienced name to take the reins in the summer, when the managerial market is expected to be more fluid.
Among the leading candidates, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has emerged as the early favorite. Bookmakers have installed him at odds as short as 5/2, reflecting both his achievements and his apparent openness to a new challenge. Glasner, who led Palace to their first-ever major trophy with an FA Cup triumph in May 2025, has long been admired for making the Eagles one of the Premier League’s toughest sides. Yet, tensions with the Palace board over transfer backing and squad depth have reportedly left him considering his future at Selhurst Park, with many expecting him to leave at the end of the season.
Glasner’s adaptability and tactical acumen have caught the eye of United’s decision-makers, who are keen to ensure their next manager can work within a broader club structure—something that became a flashpoint with Amorim. According to reports from The Independent and Football Insider, the club will make it clear to all candidates that the head coach position is part of a wider system, with significant input from the recruitment department. This approach could appeal to other contenders as well, including Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, who previously worked at United, and Enzo Maresca, who was recently sacked by Chelsea after a brief and turbulent stint.
Enzo Maresca is another name attracting significant attention. After departing Chelsea on January 1, 2026, under circumstances bearing a striking resemblance to Amorim’s exit, the Italian has been made the early favorite by some bookmakers, with odds ranging from 6/1 to 7/2. Maresca’s connections within the English game and his reputation for progressive football make him a compelling option, especially as he is currently unattached and available for immediate talks.
Other prominent names in the mix include Laurent Blanc, the former United defender and French international manager, who is priced at 8/1 after being let go by Al-Ittihad in September 2025; Xavi Hernández, the Barcelona legend, available since his departure from Camp Nou in 2024; and Gareth Southgate, whose odds have fluctuated amid speculation about his willingness to return to club management after his England tenure.
The list doesn’t stop there. Fulham’s Marco Silva, Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, and even ex-United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær have all been floated as outside bets. According to Football Insider, Jurgen Klopp is also a distant outsider at 66/1—a tantalizing but highly unlikely prospect given his Liverpool legacy.
Behind the scenes, United’s recruitment director Christopher Vivell has reportedly advocated for Nagelsmann, with whom he shares a Red Bull connection. However, with Nagelsmann focused on leading Germany into the 2026 World Cup, his availability remains uncertain until after the tournament. The same could be said for several other candidates, making a summer appointment the most likely scenario.
INEOS, United’s new minority owners, face a crucial decision as they look to reverse a cycle of short-lived managerial reigns and underachievement. The club is expected to revisit the shortlist drawn up in the summer of 2024, with an eye toward candidates who can both embrace the club’s structural vision and deliver results on the pitch. Timing will be key, with some sources indicating that United are prepared to wait until the summer to land their top target—potentially Glasner, if he sees out the season with Palace, or another high-profile name who becomes available.
Meanwhile, the immediate focus shifts to Darren Fletcher and his ability to galvanize a talented but underperforming squad. With matches coming thick and fast, Fletcher’s stewardship will be under the microscope as United aim to secure European qualification and restore some pride after a turbulent campaign.
As the dust settles on Amorim’s tumultuous 14-month spell, Manchester United fans are left to ponder what comes next. The managerial merry-go-round at Old Trafford continues, but with a new structure in place and a clear mandate for change, the club’s next move could define its direction for years to come. For now, the speculation rages on—will it be Glasner, Maresca, or a surprise candidate who ultimately takes the hot seat? One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on Old Trafford as the search for stability, and silverware, resumes.