Manchester United fans will fear that this isn’t even rock bottom. The Red Devils were knocked out of the Carabao Cup at the second round stage on Wednesday, falling to League 2’s Grimsby Town in a marathon penalty shootout, 12-11, after the game finished 2-2. This embarrassing result comes after a diabolical 2024-25 campaign in which Man United finished 15th in the Premier League and lost in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.
While United managed to secure a dramatic late winner against Burnley to claim their first Premier League victory of the season, the temporary reprieve only served to highlight the ongoing struggles. The performance raised more questions than answers, with many viewing it as papering over the cracks rather than genuine progress.
Ruben Amorim has not even been in the United dugout for 10 months, and his position is already under serious question. The Portuguese still hasn’t managed to impress his vision on the squad, and the notable success he achieved with Sporting CP is starting to look like a long time ago. With pressure mounting and speculation intensifying, we examine eight potential candidates who could step in as the latest in a long line of possible United saviors.
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The Current Crisis at Old Trafford
According to reports, INEOS have two replacements in mind as Ruben Amorim’s sacking looks inevitable. Sources within INEOS Group reveal there is already a shortlist in place, with the board preparing for what seems increasingly likely – another managerial change at Old Trafford.
Man United’s Recent Performance Under Amorim
| Competition | Record | Key Results |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League 2024-25 | 15th place finish | Lowest since 1974 relegation |
| Europa League | Runner-up | Lost 1-0 to Tottenham in final |
| Premier League 2025-26 | 16th after 2 games | Drew with Fulham, lost to Arsenal |
| Carabao Cup 2025-26 | Eliminated Round 2 | Lost on penalties to Grimsby Town |
The statistics paint a grim picture. Since Amorim’s appointment in November, Man United have won just seven of their 29 league games, representing one of the worst records in the club’s modern history.
1. Oliver Glasner – The Frontrunner
Oliver Glasner has done remarkable work at Crystal Palace, guiding the Eagles to their first-ever FA Cup win last season and adding the Community Shield in early August. According to insider sources, Glasner is the name currently being talked about the most within the INEOS boardroom.
Why It Makes Sense:
- Proven Premier League experience with impressive results
- Won Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021-22
- Employs an enterprising attacking style that would appeal to United fans
- Already uses a 3-4-3 formation, matching Amorim’s current tactical setup
- Palace are limited in their ceiling compared to United’s potential
Why It Might Not Happen:
- Glasner may want to see how far he can take Palace in their first European campaign
- Conference League offers another chance to add to his trophy cabinet
- Timing might not align with Palace’s European ambitions
2. Andoni Iraola – The Tactical Innovator
The Spaniard continues to impress at Bournemouth, taking the Cherries to ninth in the Premier League in 2024-25 after guiding the club to 12th the season before. His improvement with limited resources has caught INEOS’s attention.
Key Achievements:
- Guided Bournemouth to £280 million in player sales through excellent development
- Consistently overperformed with limited budget and pulling power
- Extracted maximum talent from his squad consistently
- Due for a step up in his managerial career
Bournemouth’s Progress Under Iraola
| Season | League Position | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 12th | Established Premier League status |
| 2024-25 | 9th | Significant improvement |
| Transfer Business | £280m sales | Exceptional player development |
Potential Concerns:
- Pressure at Old Trafford significantly higher than Vitality Stadium
- Risk of reputation damage given United’s recent managerial casualties
- Would inherit complex squad dynamics and expectations
3. Gareth Southgate – The Safe Pair of Hands
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival in United’s director’s box, Gareth Southgate has been consistently tipped as a possible managerial option. The former England manager guided the Three Lions to remarkable achievements including World Cup semifinal (2018) and European finals (2020, 2024).
Strengths:
- Exceptional man-management capabilities
- Experience handling pressure and big personalities
- Player-forward approach might benefit United after rigid system failures
- INEOS connection through Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Weaknesses:
- Limited club football experience (relegated Middlesbrough)
- Concerns about potential fan backlash over appointment
- No recent Premier League managerial experience
4. Kieran McKenna – The United Connection
McKenna offers United connections, experience building from lowest points, and significant potential for improvement. The 39-year-old was once an important part of United’s coaching setup, serving as assistant manager under José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and Ralf Rangnick.
Career Progression:
- United under-18 manager → Senior team assistant coach
- Achieved back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town to Premier League
- Demonstrated tactical acumen despite relegation with impressive wins over Tottenham and Chelsea
The Case For:
- Intimate knowledge of United’s structure and culture
- Proven ability to rebuild from difficult situations
- Young, ambitious manager with room to grow
The Case Against:
- Lack of big-club experience as main manager
- United’s hierarchy historically impatient with development projects
5. Marco Silva – The Steady Hand
Marco Silva has done fine work at Fulham, keeping the club comfortably in mid-table following their 2022 promotion. The Portuguese has maintained stability despite key player departures and limited resources compared to other London clubs.
Track Record:
- Consistent Premier League survival and improvement with Fulham
- Good integration of new signings and squad rotation
- Nearly a decade of English football experience
- Controlled approach that could provide stability
Question Marks:
- Previous Everton stint didn’t work out successfully
- Might represent interim-style appointment rather than long-term solution
- Unclear if he matches United’s ambition level
6. Michael Carrick – The Interim Solution
Former United midfielder Michael Carrick has previous experience in the Old Trafford dugout, stepping in as interim manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s dismissal. His record included victories over Arsenal and Villarreal, plus a draw with Chelsea.
Carrick’s Managerial Record
| Role | Team | Achievement | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interim Manager | Man United | 3 games unbeaten | Successful transition |
| Manager | Middlesbrough | Playoff semifinal | Near promotion |
| Manager | Middlesbrough | Carabao Cup semifinal | Impressive cup run |
Positives:
- United DNA and understanding of club culture
- Rebuilding experience with Middlesbrough
- Previously successful interim period
- Young manager with potential
Negatives:
- Limited experience at highest level
- Early stage of managerial career for such massive job
- Previous Middlesbrough dismissal after missing playoffs
7. Zinedine Zidane – The Dream Appointment
According to recent reports from Fichajes, Man United are targeting Zinedine Zidane as Amorim’s replacement, with the Frenchman considered ‘imminent’ to replace the struggling Portuguese coach.
Incredible Pedigree:
- 11 trophies across two Real Madrid periods
- Three consecutive Champions League titles
- Two La Liga championships
- Experience managing global football superpowers
Reality Check:
- Only managed one club (Real Madrid) in one league (La Liga)
- Had superior finances, squad strength, and club pull at Madrid
- United currently lack two of those three advantages
- Might be seen as too risky for club potentially fighting to finish higher than 15th
8. Xavi Hernández – The Possession Master
After being relieved of duties at Barcelona in 2024, Xavi has not returned to management. Despite a turbulent end to his Camp Nou tenure, he delivered La Liga and Copa del Rey success in his first major European managerial role.
Barcelona Achievements:
- Won La Liga after three-season drought
- Copa del Rey victory
- Demonstrated ability to rebuild big clubs from difficult positions
Concerns:
- Difference between challenging for titles and rebuilding from 15th place
- Turbulent end to Barcelona tenure
- Similar to Zidane, might not suit United’s current reality
The INEOS Decision Timeline
Sources suggest Amorim will hold talks with United’s hierarchy during the September international break over his future, with reports claiming United fear he could walk away from the job. As one well-placed source put it: “The question is when not if Ruben Amorim leaves Manchester United in months to come.”
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FAQs
Who are the leading candidates to replace Ruben Amorim at Man United?
According to INEOS sources, Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola are on the official shortlist, with Glasner being discussed most frequently in the boardroom as the potential replacement.
When might Ruben Amorim be sacked as Man United manager?
Reports suggest Amorim will hold talks with United’s hierarchy during the September international break, with his position becoming increasingly precarious after the Grimsby Town defeat and poor Premier League start.
Why is Oliver Glasner considered the frontrunner for the Man United job?
Glasner has proven Premier League experience, won trophies with Crystal Palace (FA Cup, Community Shield) and Eintracht Frankfurt (Europa League), and already uses the 3-4-3 formation that United’s squad is built for.
What makes Andoni Iraola an attractive option for Man United?
The Bournemouth manager has consistently overperformed with limited resources, generated £280 million in player sales through excellent development, and is considered due for a step up in his career.
Has Zinedine Zidane been officially linked with the Man United job?
Yes, recent reports from Fichajes claim Man United are targeting Zidane as Amorim’s replacement, though his appointment would represent a significant risk given his limited managerial experience outside Real Madrid.
