Manchester United are once again at a crossroads, with the club’s leadership making the bold decision to part ways with Ruben Amorim after just 14 months at the helm. The Portuguese coach’s tenure, which began with optimism, has now ended in frustration and upheaval following a string of underwhelming results and a very public breakdown in relations with the club hierarchy. After a tense 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Old Trafford, Amorim’s pointed post-match remarks—“I want to be manager, not the coach,” and his demand that club officials “do their job”—proved to be the final straw for the United board.
It was hardly a surprise to many observers. Amorim’s reign had been marred by mixed results on the pitch, finishing a disappointing 15th last season and failing to inspire a turnaround this campaign. Behind the scenes, tensions simmered with director of football Jason Wilcox. Although club sources denied outright power struggles or ultimatums, the communication breakdown between Amorim and Wilcox became irreparable, especially after disagreements over January transfer activity and the club’s broader tactical direction.
Despite these issues, Amorim had reportedly supported the club’s summer transfer strategy, prioritizing versatile forwards over a new midfielder. But as the weeks rolled on, any sense of alignment faded, and the lack of progress became too glaring to ignore. The leadership structure at United remains unchanged—whoever comes in next will operate as a head coach within a collaborative model, with no recruitment veto power, a lesson learned from the Erik ten Hag era. The board’s stance is clear: the club’s future must be built on shared decision-making, not the whims of a single manager.
So, what happens next? For now, Darren Fletcher, the club’s Under-18s manager and a former United midfielder with 11 years under Sir Alex Ferguson, has been handed the reins as interim boss. Fletcher’s appointment is seen as a move for stability and a nod to United’s storied past. His first test comes quickly, with an away fixture at Burnley looming on Wednesday. Intriguingly, Fletcher’s own sons were recently given first-team opportunities under Amorim—a twist that adds another layer to the unfolding drama at Old Trafford.
But Fletcher’s lack of senior managerial experience means he’s widely viewed as a stopgap rather than a long-term solution. Still, stranger things have happened at United—just ask Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who made the leap from interim to permanent boss after a successful caretaker spell. Could Fletcher follow in those footsteps? For now, the club seems content to give itself breathing space while it weighs its options for a permanent appointment.
The search for United’s next full-time manager is already in full swing, with a host of high-profile names in the frame. Barcelona legend Xavi, who has been without a club since leaving Camp Nou in 2024, is among the leading candidates. Despite budget constraints, Xavi guided Barcelona to a LaLiga title and Spanish Super Cup double in 2023. As a free agent, he’s available for immediate talks, and his defined playing style could appeal to a United hierarchy eager for a clear footballing identity.
Oliver Glasner, currently at Crystal Palace, has also emerged as a strong contender. The Austrian has transformed Palace since arriving in 2024, delivering both FA Cup and Community Shield success. With his contract set to expire this summer and a refusal to sign a new deal at Selhurst Park, Glasner is rumored to have his eye on the United job. Notably, he employs a formation similar to Amorim’s, which could ease the transition, though his tactical approach is distinct. If United are willing to wait until summer, Glasner could be a shrewd long-term pick.
Another name in the mix is Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. Despite losing key players last summer, Iraola led the Cherries to a respectable ninth place in his debut Premier League season, earning widespread acclaim for his high-octane football. However, United would need to negotiate with Bournemouth for his services, and there are questions about whether he’s ready for a job of United’s magnitude.
Then there’s Gareth Southgate, the former England manager who led the Three Lions to consecutive European Championship finals. While not universally popular with fans, Southgate’s experience in high-pressure situations and his steady hand in chaotic environments make him an intriguing option. He also boasts strong relationships with key United executives, including Jim Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox. If United want to move quickly, Southgate’s availability could be a decisive factor.
Looking further ahead, German national team manager Julian Nagelsmann represents perhaps the most tantalizing long-term candidate. Set to lead Germany into the 2026 World Cup, Nagelsmann’s tactical acumen and experience at the highest level make him a natural fit for United’s ambitions. However, any approach would likely have to wait until after the summer tournament, meaning Fletcher could remain in charge until then if the club opts for patience.
Other high-profile names are also in the conversation. Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, despite his short spell at Stamford Bridge, remains respected for his ability to get the best out of his players. However, his sometimes difficult personality and history of brief tenures may give United pause, especially in light of Amorim’s stormy exit. Enzo Maresca, recently dismissed by Chelsea, is another candidate. His achievements on the pitch at Stamford Bridge outshone Amorim’s at Old Trafford, but Maresca may be waiting to see what happens at Manchester City before making his next move.
And let’s not forget Mauricio Pochettino, currently preparing the U.S. national team for the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine’s reputation for developing young players and implementing attractive football during his spells at Southampton and Tottenham make him a perennial target for United. However, prizing him away from his World Cup project could prove challenging, unless the club is prepared to make an ambitious and costly approach.
With so many options on the table, United’s leadership faces a pivotal decision that could shape the club’s direction for years to come. Should they act quickly to secure an available candidate like Xavi or Southgate, or show patience by backing Fletcher until summer, when the likes of Glasner or Nagelsmann could become available? The stakes couldn’t be higher. Fans, increasingly frustrated by the club’s recent struggles, are desperate for a sense of belonging and a return to the glory days.
As United prepare for their next match under Fletcher’s interim stewardship, the search for a permanent manager is set to dominate headlines and conversations among supporters. No matter who ends up in the Old Trafford dugout, one thing is certain: the next appointment will be critical in restoring the club’s prestige and charting a new course for the future. The action is just getting started—and all eyes are on Manchester.
