Manchester United have kicked off 2026 with a familiar drama: another managerial shake-up at Old Trafford. On Monday, January 5, the club announced the sacking of Ruben Amorim after just 14 months at the helm—a period marked by tactical disputes and transfer disagreements that ultimately proved insurmountable. The exit of Amorim, whose tenure was both brief and tumultuous, has left the Red Devils once again searching for a leader capable of restoring their former glory.
In the immediate aftermath, Darren Fletcher, a United stalwart now serving as technical director, stepped in as interim manager. Fletcher is set to guide the team through upcoming fixtures against Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion, but questions swirl about whether he—or another caretaker—might see out the rest of the season. With United’s board in no rush to appoint a permanent successor, there’s a sense that the club is taking a more measured approach this time around, determined to avoid past missteps.
So, who are the frontrunners in this high-profile managerial race? According to oddsmakers and analysts alike, Oliver Glasner stands out as the favorite. The Austrian tactician has quietly built his reputation at Crystal Palace, steering them to an FA Cup triumph in the spring of 2025 and a Community Shield win over Liverpool. Glasner’s refusal to sign a contract extension at Palace, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, has only fueled speculation about his next move. United fans will be intrigued by his tactical flexibility—having moved between a back three and a 4-2-3-1 in previous roles—and his ability to extract the maximum from limited resources.
But Glasner isn’t the only name in the frame. Darren Fletcher himself, though inexperienced at the senior level, could use his interim spell to make a case for the top job. With about five months before a permanent appointment is likely, Fletcher has a rare window to prove his worth. "A young, talented coach who understands the club would lead you down the path of Darren Fletcher, Kieran McKenna or Michael Carrick," noted one data analyst, highlighting the appeal of former United players stepping into the dugout. However, the leap from academy or lower-league management to the United hot seat is significant, and the pressure would be immense.
Other internal options include Kieran McKenna, currently at Ipswich, and Michael Carrick, who recently departed Middlesbrough after nearly three years. Both are admired for their tactical acumen and links to United’s past, but like Fletcher, they lack top-flight managerial experience. The club’s hierarchy must weigh the romance of a homegrown appointment against the harsh realities of Premier League competition.
Then there’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the man who knows all about the rollercoaster of interim-to-permanent management at Old Trafford. Solskjaer’s nearly three-year reign ended in 2021 after a string of poor results, but his initial spell brought hope and stability. Data from ClubElo, which measures team strength based on results and opposition quality, suggests United could experience another short-term bounce under the Norwegian. Talks with Solskjaer reportedly took place on Tuesday, January 6, keeping the door open for a nostalgic return—at least in a caretaker capacity.
Looking beyond the club’s own alumni, United are also eyeing some of Europe’s most respected coaches. Enzo Maresca, fresh off a title-winning stint at Chelsea, is in the mix with +700 odds. However, Maresca’s own history of power struggles with club hierarchies might make United’s decision-makers wary, especially after Amorim’s similar issues. Xavi, the ex-Barcelona boss, and Gareth Southgate, England’s former manager, are both listed at +1000 odds. Yet, both men are currently out of club management, and it’s unclear if they’re ready—or willing—to return to the grind of daily club football.
The summer could bring even more tantalizing possibilities. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, several top managers—including Mauricio Pochettino (currently with the United States), Thomas Tuchel (with England), and Julian Nagelsmann (with Germany)—could become available once their national team duties conclude. Pochettino, in particular, has long been linked with United, and his contract is set to expire after the tournament. As one writer put it, "His ability to develop and nurture talent, married with a high-intensity, pressing style of play, feels like it ticks many of United’s boxes." Yet, his defensive record at Chelsea and the timing of his availability remain question marks.
Julian Nagelsmann, just 38, is another name that excites fans and pundits alike. Known for his tactical ingenuity and flexibility, Nagelsmann has worked with United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, at RB Leipzig. Despite his sacking at Bayern Munich, many believe it was a harsh decision, and his experience managing big personalities could serve him well at United. The only catch? He won’t be available until after the World Cup, meaning United would need to wait until late July for his arrival.
Unai Emery, currently orchestrating a remarkable campaign at Aston Villa, is also drawing attention. Emery’s track record—guiding Villa to three consecutive European campaigns and a surprise title challenge in the 2025-26 Premier League—makes him an attractive candidate. "Over three years at Aston Villa, he has proved to be one of the Premier League’s best coaches," wrote Eduardo Tansley. Emery’s tactical rigidity and long-term contract at Villa could complicate matters, but his ability to outperform budget constraints and revive players’ careers is hard to ignore.
United’s search is increasingly influenced by data analytics, with the club keen to avoid repeating the mistakes of Amorim’s rigid 3-4-3 system. The board is looking for a manager who can adapt tactics to suit the squad, foster a positive relationship with club leadership, and deliver results even when resources are tight. Names like Christian Ilzer (Hoffenheim), Marcelino Garcia Toral (Villarreal), and others who have overperformed relative to their squad values in Europe’s top leagues are being quietly monitored as well.
In the end, Manchester United’s next appointment will hinge on a delicate balance of experience, tactical flexibility, cultural fit, and timing. With the club likely to wait until summer 2026 for a permanent hire, the next few months will be a proving ground for Fletcher and any other interim candidates. The stakes couldn’t be higher as United’s hierarchy weighs the next chapter in the club’s storied history.
For now, the action continues on the pitch with Fletcher at the helm, while behind the scenes, the search for United’s next manager promises plenty of intrigue and speculation. One thing’s for sure: Old Trafford won’t be short of drama as the club charts its course into a new era.
