- Manchester United have begun a search for a new manager, signaling the end of Ruben Amorim’s tenure.
- Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace is currently the frontrunner, favored by oddsmakers.
- Internal candidate Darren Fletcher and recently departed Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca are also being considered.
- The club may also explore options with managers involved in the upcoming World Cup tournament.
Manchester, England – Manchester United are already looking ahead to next season, initiating a managerial search on Monday, effectively ending Ruben Amorim’s 14-month spell with the club. The move immediately raises questions about the direction of a team striving to reclaim its place among Europe’s elite.
The process of finding Amorim’s successor isn’t expected to be swift, giving United’s leadership ample time to reassess their needs—and intensifying the pressure to make the right decision. Amorim’s time at the club highlighted areas the higher-ups likely want to avoid in a new manager, with concerns arising over tactical inflexibility and, reportedly, a fundamental disagreement with club leaders regarding the long-term vision for the team.
As it stands, United have a range of potential candidates, each offering a different set of strengths as another high-profile managerial search gets underway.
Oliver Glasner (+400)
Oddsmakers currently favor Oliver Glasner, who has steadily risen in prominence during his time at Crystal Palace. In less than two years, Glasner has transformed Palace from a typical mid-table Premier League side into one of the league’s most compelling teams, culminating in their FA Cup victory last spring. Glasner appears aware of his growing value and, according to Fabrizio Romano, is unwilling to sign a new contract with Palace, potentially opening the door for a move next season. However, if Palace continues its strong form, United may face competition from other clubs vying for his signature.
Darren Fletcher (+500)
Most managerial searches include consideration of an internal candidate, and this time around, that role falls to Darren Fletcher. However, while Amorim was relatively inexperienced, Fletcher’s coaching experience is even more limited—confined to United’s academy. It remains uncertain whether he is ready to lead the senior team. Given United’s deliberate approach to finding Amorim’s replacement, Fletcher may have five months as an interim manager to prove his capabilities and potentially earn a permanent promotion.
Enzo Maresca (+700)
Fresh off a recent departure from Chelsea, Enzo Maresca is considered one of the most talented managers currently available. His title-winning spell with the Blues is a significant asset for a team eager to restore its former glory. However, if a power struggle between the manager and ownership contributed to Amorim’s exit, Maresca’s similar issues at Chelsea could disqualify him from contention at Old Trafford. He may also be eyeing a position with the other Manchester club, should one become available.
Xavi (+1000)
The former Barcelona boss continues to be linked with the Manchester United vacancy, perhaps because a retrospective view of his time at the Catalan club is more favorable. While Barcelona supporters may have been underwhelmed during his tenure, Xavi did secure a La Liga title with a squad largely comprised of academy players, navigating significant financial constraints. Xavi has not taken a managerial position since leaving Barcelona in 2024, leaving his desire to return to coaching, and the type of team he would join, unclear.
Gareth Southgate (+1000)
England’s long-time manager is currently enjoying a well-deserved break following his departure from the national team, a period during which his reputation has soared. Gareth Southgate’s coaching resume was relatively thin before taking the England job, but his success has sparked curiosity about what his return to club management might look like. Like Xavi, it’s uncertain what kind of role would entice him back to the touchline.
One of the World Cup coaches
If United delay their decision until after the summer, they could have a significantly wider pool of candidates to choose from. Several talented managers currently leading national teams in the World Cup will theoretically become available once the tournament concludes. While Carlo Ancelotti may be in talks to extend his stay with Brazil, according to The Athletic, the U.S.’s Mauricio Pochettino, England’s Thomas Tuchel, and Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann could also be potential options. Pochettino has publicly stated he would be interested in a return to the Premier League, though much remains to be decided before the World Cup concludes.
