Manchester United has once again found itself at a pivotal crossroads, as the club parted ways with Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim early on January 5, 2026. The decision followed a string of underwhelming performances, most notably a 1-1 draw against Leeds at Elland Road, which left United languishing in sixth place in the Premier League—just four points clear of Crystal Palace in 14th. The club, already under pressure to reclaim its former glory, must now embark on a high-stakes search for a new leader to steer the ship at Old Trafford.
Amorim’s tenure at United was brief and turbulent. His outspoken remarks after the Leeds stalemate, including pointed criticism of board members and a public assertion that he joined "to be the manager, not the coach," seemed to seal his fate. Though he had hinted he would leave when his contract expired in 18 months, the club’s hierarchy wasted no time, relieving him of his duties the very next morning. The sacking has reignited memories of the 2021-22 campaign, when United finished sixth and subsequently appointed Erik ten Hag. Now, as then, the Red Devils are at a crossroads, and the stakes could hardly be higher.
With Amorim out, attention has swiftly shifted to the candidates who could take the reins. Five names dominate the conversation: Oliver Glasner, Gareth Southgate, Enzo Maresca, Xavi, and Zinedine Zidane. Each brings a unique pedigree and set of questions—can any of them restore United to the summit of English and European football?
Oliver Glasner, currently impressing at Crystal Palace, has caught the eye with his deployment of the 3-4-3 formation—a tactical echo of Amorim’s approach. Glasner’s contract at Palace is set to expire this summer, and while negotiations could be complex, United are no strangers to drawn-out managerial pursuits. His ability to maximize a squad built for such a system could make him a logical successor, especially if the club wishes to maintain tactical continuity.
Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, remains a compelling option. Southgate left his post with the national team in 2024 and has spoken candidly about seeking a role with a "higher purpose," akin to his time with England. Former United director Dan Ashworth was a strong advocate for Southgate, though Ashworth is no longer at the club. Still, Southgate’s availability and experience managing high-pressure environments keep him firmly in the mix.
Enzo Maresca, who recently departed Chelsea after a breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy, is another name on United’s shortlist. Maresca’s Premier League experience and big-game credentials are undeniable, and while he’s also been linked with Manchester City as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola, that job isn’t open—yet. United could offer Maresca an immediate return to management, though concerns linger over the similarities between his issues at Chelsea and those that plagued Amorim at Old Trafford.
Xavi, the former Barcelona midfielder and coach, has been waiting for the right opportunity since leaving the Catalan club in 2024. The Premier League reportedly intrigues him, and sources suggest he would welcome an approach from United. Xavi’s résumé includes a league title and the distinction of giving Lamine Yamal his senior debut, underscoring his commitment to youth development and long-term vision. For a club looking to rebuild, Xavi could represent both prestige and a fresh start.
Perhaps the most tantalizing—yet complicated—prospect is Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman’s managerial record is nothing short of extraordinary: three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga crowns, and two FIFA Club World Cups with Real Madrid. Zidane has been out of management since 2021, and his name inevitably surfaces whenever a major vacancy arises. But would he be willing to take on the United job?
Speculation about Zidane’s potential appointment has been rampant, but several significant obstacles remain. Ex-France international Emmanuel Petit, a former teammate, has been candid about Zidane’s reservations. Petit told the Express, "Honestly, I know a little bit, Zizou [Zidane]. And he needs to get guarantees if he wants to sign over there in Manchester United." Petit elaborated on the challenges, pointing to the club’s unstable environment, inconsistent player quality, and the immense expectations that come with the job. "United is still a huge club, but not on the pitch anymore. And Zizou is very conscious and very careful about that, the quality of the players," Petit said.
Another major hurdle is language. Zidane himself has addressed the issue, famously telling L'Equipe, "I understand English, but I don’t fully master it." He added, "I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way. Many elements come into play in order to win, it is a global context. I know what I need to win." For Zidane, effective communication is non-negotiable, and he’s expressed reluctance to take a job in England without full language proficiency.
There’s also the matter of Zidane’s long-term ambitions. Reports strongly suggest he is being groomed as the heir to Didier Deschamps for the France national team, with Deschamps set to step down after the 2026 World Cup. The allure of managing his homeland, especially after such a decorated playing and coaching career, could well outweigh the challenge of reviving United’s fortunes.
Interestingly, Emmanuel Petit has hinted that Zidane has been working on his English, suggesting he might be open to a Premier League move. Still, there’s no solid evidence to confirm a change of heart. As things stand, United’s pursuit of Zidane seems a long shot, though his name will inevitably remain in the conversation as long as the position is vacant.
Meanwhile, Manchester United must contend with immediate on-field concerns. The team’s three-match unbeaten run—including draws against Wolves and Leeds—hasn’t been enough to quell unrest. The next fixture, a trip to Burnley at Turf Moor, looms large. Anything less than a win could intensify the scrutiny on the club’s leadership and further complicate the search for Amorim’s successor. Adding to the urgency is the anticipated return of captain Bruno Fernandes, who could provide much-needed stability and leadership in the coming weeks.
As United’s leadership weighs its options, the decision they make in the coming days will shape not only the remainder of the season but potentially the club’s trajectory for years to come. With iconic names in the frame and the shadow of past glories looming large, Old Trafford once again braces for a new chapter—one that fans hope will finally restore the Red Devils to their rightful place among football’s elite.
