Next Man Utd Manager: Ranking Ruben Amorim’s Potential Permanent Successors After Old Trafford Sacking

Manchester United have pressed the reset button once again. Ruben Amorim’s reign at Old Trafford is over, bringing an end to a chaotic, noisy and ultimately unsustainable 14-month spell that promised much but delivered far too little. Records were broken, but rarely the kind United want to be associated with. A European final lost to Tottenham, a humiliating Carabao Cup exit at the hands of fourth-tier Grimsby Town, and a league campaign that never really caught fire were all filed away before the final straw: a very public outburst after a 1-1 draw at Leeds United.

Amorim’s insistence that he wanted to be “the manager, not the coach” felt like a shot aimed directly at the boardroom. United, already uneasy with results that left them sitting sixth in the Premier League, decided enough was enough. Darren Fletcher has stepped in on an interim basis, with another caretaker expected to take charge until the end of the season. But the real conversation has already begun elsewhere: who is next, and who should be trusted with the permanent job?

Below, we rank the most realistic candidates to become the next Man Utd manager, weighing up fit, availability, politics and plain old football sense.

Why Ruben Amorim Failed at Manchester United

Before looking forward, it’s worth understanding why things went wrong. Amorim arrived with a clear identity, a strong personality and a tactical system he believed in fiercely. But the Premier League can be unforgiving, and United even more so. Results never truly matched performances, and his desire for greater control clashed with INEOS’ vision of a modern “head coach” model.

Had Amorim bitten his tongue after that Leeds draw, perhaps he’d still be in a job. But at United, optics matter. Once the relationship fractured publicly, there was no way back.

16. Zinedine Zidane

FASHION-FRANCE-MEN-YOHJI YAMAMOTO

Every time the Manchester United job becomes available, Zinedine Zidane’s name floats into the conversation like clockwork. It almost feels ceremonial at this point.

In reality, there is virtually no chance of Zidane ending up at Old Trafford. The former Real Madrid boss has made it clear his next ambition lies with the France national team. The Premier League, the weekly grind, and the political complexity of United do not align with his plans.

15. Unai Emery

FBL-EUR-C3-ASTON VILLA-YOUNG BOYS

Unai Emery has rebuilt his reputation in England in impressive fashion. After a difficult spell at Arsenal, his work at Aston Villa has been nothing short of transformative. From relegation worries to Champions League contenders, Villa now look like a club with direction and identity.

That’s exactly why United are unlikely to land him. Emery has power, trust and stability at Villa Park. United, at least for now, can’t offer him the same level of autonomy.

14. Eddie Howe

Burnley v Newcastle United – Premier League

Eddie Howe is often cited as the embodiment of modern sporting values: culture, mindset and marginal gains. His work at Bournemouth and Newcastle deserves real credit.

Despite a slightly uneven season, Newcastle remain competitive on multiple fronts. Unless the Magpies decide to change course themselves, Howe isn’t going anywhere — and United are unlikely to prise him away.

13. Sir Gareth Southgate

Spain v England: Final – UEFA EURO 2024

Sir Gareth Southgate feels almost purpose-built for the INEOS philosophy. Leadership, culture, long-term thinking — all boxes ticked.

But Southgate has shown little appetite for returning to the club game, especially one as intense and exposed as Manchester United. International football suited him. The Premier League circus would not.

12. Darren Fletcher

Manchester United v Leicester City – Carabao Cup Fourth Round

For now, Darren Fletcher is the man in the dugout. His knowledge of the club, combined with experience both upstairs and at academy level, gives him a unique profile.

A miraculous run of results could force United into an awkward conversation, but realistically Fletcher’s role is about stabilisation, not long-term ownership of the job.

11. Michael Carrick

Stoke City FC v Middlesbrough FC – Championship

Michael Carrick’s brief caretaker spell in 2021 remains fondly remembered. Wins over Villarreal and Arsenal, plus a draw at Chelsea, hinted at calm authority.

His work at Middlesbrough further strengthened his credentials, though last summer’s dismissal dented momentum. Carrick “knows the club”, but whether that alone is enough for INEOS is debatable.

10. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Besiktas v Gaziantep – Turkish Super League

A romantic option, and perhaps a pragmatic one too. Solskjaer understands United, loves the club, and has already steadied the ship once before.

Still, the optics of a return would be tricky. United are trying to move forward, not rewind. A short-term fix, maybe — but nothing more.

9. Kieran McKenna

Coventry City v Ipswich Town – Championship

Kieran McKenna’s rise has been remarkable. From League One to the Premier League with Ipswich Town in two seasons is no small feat.

Relegation followed, but context matters. Appointing a Championship manager would be bold — perhaps too bold — for a club already under scrutiny.

8. Roberto De Zerbi

Olympique de Marseille v Newcastle United FC – UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5

Few coaches are as tactically admired as Roberto De Zerbi. His Brighton side were a joy to watch, and United have previously spoken to him.

The concern lies in temperament. De Zerbi is intense, combustible and demanding. United’s hierarchy may prefer calm waters after the Amorim storm.

7. Mauricio Pochettino

United States v Mexico – Gold Cup 2025: Final

The Pochettino-United link refuses to die. He’s wanted the Premier League return, and United have flirted with him before.

Timing is the issue. With World Cup commitments in the U.S., any move would be delayed. Still, history suggests this door never fully closes.

6. Thomas Tuchel

Albania v England – FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Arguably the most accomplished coach on this list. Champions League winner, elite tactician, serial winner.

But United passed on him once. Going back now would require humility from both sides. If United truly want success, though, Tuchel would deliver standards immediately.

5. Xavi

FC Barcelona v Villarreal CF – LaLiga EA Sports

Xavi’s Barcelona tenure deserves more respect than it often gets. He stabilised a club in crisis and won La Liga under immense pressure.

England appeals to him, and the Premier League spotlight might actually feel lighter than Spain’s relentless media glare. United could be tempted.

4. Julian Nagelsmann

Germany Press Conference

Young, modern and tactically elite, Julian Nagelsmann feels tailor-made for INEOS’ vision.

World Cup timing complicates things, but if patience is an option, Nagelsmann would represent a genuine long-term solution.

3. Enzo Maresca

Chelsea v Bournemouth – Premier League

Not long ago, Enzo Maresca was unemployed. Football moves fast.

His Manchester City connections are strong, and his footballing ideas align with United’s current direction. The question is whether he’d accept a role with limited control after recent experiences.

2. Andoni Iraola

Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest – Premier League

If United want a head coach who understands the Premier League grind and embraces the system-first model, Andoni Iraola makes huge sense.

Bournemouth play brave, clear, entertaining football regardless of personnel. Iraola knows his place in the hierarchy — something Amorim never accepted.

1. Oliver Glasner

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League

At the top of the list sits Oliver Glasner. His Crystal Palace side have thrived using a system not dissimilar to Amorim’s, but with far better execution and adaptability.

Glasner has pedigree, trophies, and tactical clarity. With his contract nearing its end and United reportedly viewing him as their top target, this feels like more than idle speculation.

If United want continuity without chaos, Glasner might be the man to finally bring order back to Old Trafford.

Final Thoughts on the Next Man Utd Manager

The Ruben Amorim era will be remembered as loud, messy and brief. What comes next will define INEOS’ early years in charge. Whether they opt for experience, innovation or familiarity, one thing is clear: the next Manchester United manager must accept the role of head coach — not emperor.

And this time, United cannot afford to get it wrong again.