Potential candidates to succeed Ruben Amorim at Manchester United

The 'frontrunners' to replace Ruben Amorim

Among the reported frontrunners is Oliver Glasner, currently at Crystal Palace. The Austrian has transformed Palace, guiding them to last season’s FA Cup final and overseeing a remarkable 19-match unbeaten run in all competitions, the longest in the club’s history. 

His disciplined system and rising profile have supposedly kept him firmly in the frame for the Old Trafford role.

Andoni Iraola is believed to be generating momentum. Since arriving at Bournemouth in 2023, the Spaniard has impressed with a near-40 percent win rate and a ninth-place Premier League finish last season. 

Known for tactical flexibility and a high-energy approach, Iraola has earned plaudits for extracting results against more vigorous opposition. Still, the leap from Bournemouth to Manchester United would represent a significant escalation in pressure and expectation.

Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, has also been linked to the position. He offers an international pedigree and a reputation for calm leadership. However, questions remain over his suitability for the unforgiving week-to-week demands of club football at the highest level.

Options if the search is spread wider

Closer to home, Michael Carrick has been mentioned as a possible caretaker. A former United midfielder with experience on the club’s coaching staff and a spell in charge of Middlesbrough, Carrick recently took a role as a UEFA technical observer. 

His familiarity with Old Trafford makes him a logical stopgap, though he is unlikely to be considered a permanent solution.

There are more speculative options, including Xavi, who has been out of management since leaving Barcelona in 2024, and Fabian Hurzeler, the highly rated 32-year-old who guided Brighton to eighth place last season with an innovative, progressive style.

Ultimately, United’s choice will hinge on more than reputation. The next manager must bring tactical clarity, withstand the scrutiny that comes with one of football’s most demanding jobs, and strike a balance between developing academy talent and managing big-name players. 

With results faltering and discontent rising, Amorim’s position looks increasingly tenuous, and the debate over his successor is already in full swing.