Ruben Amorim’s position as manager of Manchester United is reportedly under increasing scrutiny, amidst widespread rumors that the club’s leadership is actively seeking a new head coach to navigate the team through its current challenges. Prominent figures such as Gareth Southgate, Zinedine Zidane, and Xavi Hernandez, alongside several standout Premier League managers, are reportedly among the candidates being considered to potentially succeed Amorim.
The managerial review at Old Trafford has resurfaced as a complex issue, with the Portuguese manager, Amorim, facing renewed pressure. This comes after Manchester United’s recent 3-1 defeat to Brentford in a Premier League fixture last week. While some English media outlets suggest that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe maintains confidence in the 40-year-old manager, other reports indicate that the club’s hierarchy is evaluating potential replacements. This search would intensify if the team’s performance in upcoming matches continues to be unsatisfactory. Among the list of candidates reportedly under consideration by Manchester United’s leadership is former England national team manager, Gareth Southgate.
Southgate has been consistently linked with the Manchester United job for over three or four seasons, ever since his tenure with the English national squad. Concurrently, French football legend and former Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, has also re-emerged in discussions as a potentially suitable candidate to replace Ruben Amorim. Zidane’s name was previously mentioned even during the time Erik ten Hag was in charge, prior to the Portuguese manager’s actual appointment.
Similar to previous seasons, former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez is also rumored to be a candidate to potentially help rescue the struggling Red Devils. When Manchester United were reportedly considering dismissing Erik ten Hag, the Spanish coach was widely reported by various news outlets to have been contacted by the 20-time English champions, who expressed interest in him for the coaching role. However, it was ultimately Amorim who was genuinely approached by the club at that time.
According to reports from the Manchester Evening News, in addition to these three high-profile, currently unattached managers, several Premier League coaches who are excelling with their respective teams have also been mentioned. Oliver Glasner, the Crystal Palace manager who recently guided his team to an FA Cup win and a Community Shield, and also oversaw a victory against Liverpool, is among those reportedly on the list of potential candidates.
AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, who has overseen a strong start to the new season for his team, has also been named as a contender. Furthermore, The Sun newspaper has reported the inclusion of Fabian Hurzeler, manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, in the speculation.
Despite the mounting speculation, Ruben Amorim continues to lead Manchester United. The former Sporting CP manager has consistently asserted that he is unfazed by his future at the club and remains committed to his role, even amidst a challenging start to the season. Fans and analysts have frequently urged the 40-year-old to adapt his playing system, citing the perceived ineffectiveness of the Portuguese tactical approach in the English league. However, Amorim has reportedly stated that a change in playing style would only occur if he were to be removed from his position.
The Daily Mail has reported that if Manchester United decides to terminate Amorim’s contract, the club would be liable to pay approximately $16 million in compensation.
