Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, all eyes are on Manchester United, who must find a replacement.
Darren Fletcher will take charge of the Red Devils for their upcoming game against Burnley. According to David Ornstein, United’s next permanent head coach appointment is likely to be made in the summer.
So, who could take over?
Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca parted ways with Chelsea on New Year’s Day after leading the Blues for 92 matches, winning 59.8% of those. He has been heavily linked with the Manchester City job following rumours that Pep Guardiola could leave at the end of the season.
However, according to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, United appreciate the job Maresca did at Chelsea and are expected to make a move for the 45-year-old.
Maresca also has strong links to Wilcox and Berrarda, according to Alex Crook of TalkSPORT.
Embed from Getty ImagesOliver Glasner
United view current Crystal Palace boss, Oliver Glasner, as a top candidate to succeed Amorim, according to the Independent.
Glasner is expected to leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season when his contract expires. This timing would suit United, who are leaning towards making a permanent appointment in the summer.
However, there are doubts surrounding the Palace manager, as he too plays a three at the back system that the United board previously said they don’t have the players for.
Embed from Getty ImagesDarren Fletcher
Fletcher will take over as interim manager for forseeable future, as United wait to make a permanent appointment. He currently manages United’s U18 team and plays a four at the back system.
If Fletcher impresses, he could earn himself a permanent role, similar to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2018/19. However, Fletcher will likely remain a temporary solution, as he lacks the experience of managing at the top level.
He was only appointed under-18s head coach in July 2025 after his twin sons, Jack and Tyler, who were both named on the bench against Leeds, aged out of the group.
Embed from Getty ImagesXavi
Xavi has previously expressed his desire to work in the Premier League in the past and has been patiently waiting for a new managerial role since his departure from Barcelona in 2024.
The Spaniard’s immediate availability is a boost, plus it was reported by Sports Illustrated that Xavi would make the move “immediately” if those in charge in Manchester reached out.
He already has a league title to show for his five-year managerial career and would likely put a lot of faith in the youth, as he gave Lamine Yamal his senior debut back in 2023. This deal could be a simple one to seal if United opted to replace Amorim before the end of the season.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat’s next?
The minimum target set this season was for United to finish in the top six. The club believes the team remains well-placed to secure European qualification this season, but that a change was necessary.
In the 63 games Amorim was in charge, he won 25 games, drew 15, and lost 23, whilst conceding 114 goals. He leaves with a Premier League win percentage of 32%.
Fletcher will continue as Manchester United’s interim manager until a suitable replacement is found. He is backed until the summer if needed, but a mid-season appointment will not be ruled out if the right candidate emerges.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Martin
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