Five possible candidates who could replace Ruben Amorim as head coach of Manchester United

After Manchester United sacked head coach Ruben Amorim on Monday, discussions and speculation have arisen over who could replace the Portuguese.

While Darren Fetcher has been appointed as interim coach, INEOS will be looking for someone on a permanent basis.

READ ALSO: A timeline of Ruben Amorim’s time at Manchester United

Below are five names who could take charge at Old Trafford:

Enzo Maresca

Chelsea appeared to have found their new long-term manager in Enzo Maresca, with the 45-year-old leading the Blues to the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League title and then following that up with victory at the FIFA Club World Cup tournament.

With the start of the new season, Maresca’s relationship with the Chelsea hierarchy deteriorated, with the club’s form also taking a hit, with just one win from seven games. On New Year’s Day he was fired as Chelsea coach.

He is certainly someone Manchester United would look at. He has already shown he is capable of taking his team to the top, including leading Chelsea to Champions League football in his only full Premier League season.

Oliver Glasner

Oliver Glasner is actually one of the favorites to take over as head coach of Manchester United. INEOS will monitor Glasner’s contract situation at Crystal Palace, which expires at the end of the season, and the 51-year-old has not signed an extension.

Glasner is known for his pragmatic approach and made headlines after guiding Crystal Palace to the FA Cup title last season.

If Manchester United come close, the offer could be too lucrative for Glasner to turn down, even if Palace will be desperate to keep hold of him.

Darren Fletcher

Darren Fletcher has been appointed as interim coach following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, and there is a chance he could be given the role on a permanent basis if he can deliver the results.

He has coaching experience at junior level, having managed United under-16s before joining the first-team coaching staff under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021.

In July last year, Fletcher was appointed coach of the United U-18s.

Gareth Southgate

This one seems unlikely and unlikely to be a popular choice, but Gareth Southgate did play a crucial role in changing the culture of the England national team, leading the Three Lions to two European finals and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

He was shortlisted by former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth, but at the moment it seems like a long shot.

Southgate has also said he may not want to return to football management anytime soon.

Xavi Hernández

Xavi Hernandez’s name may come as a surprise, but when have you been able to predict the machinations of the football world?

The Barcelona legend is without a club after leaving Camp Nou in 2024. Although he didn’t get a fairytale ending as Barcelona coach, he battled financial constraints to guide the Blaugranas to the domestic double of La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup in 2024.

Since the Spaniard is a free agent, the Manchester United board can get him on board quickly without any additional complications.

Published on January 5, 2026