Manchester United looking for them seventh The new manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal on Monday. Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team on an interim basis on Wednesday Premier League trip to burnley and this fa cup Third round tie on home ground brighton and hove albion On Sunday. But sources told ESPN that United have not yet decided whether to make a permanent appointment quickly or wait until the summer, when a range of big-name coaches may be available. FIFA World Cup,
Who are the possible candidates to become the next manager at Old Trafford? Here are two short lists that United could work on: one for an immediate appointment, and one if they choose to wait until the end of the 2025-26 season.
immediate candidate
Oliver Glassner, crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace coach is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of this season and has not yet negotiated a new deal. Glasner’s stock is rising after winning the FA Cup last season and leading Palace to the uefa conference leagueThey also won the Europa League eintracht frankfurt In 2022, so he has proven himself as a trophy winner in his last two jobs.
The 51-year-old favors a three-man defense like Amorim, so if United want to continue with that model, he would be a perfect fit. He is also likely to be available now due to his contract status.
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Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town
The 39-year-old has guided Ipswich Town to two promotions and was interviewed for chelsea job in 2024, before the appointment of former coach Enzo Maresca. Having worked at United as part of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaching teams, McKenna is aware of many of the current players and young prospects at Old Trafford.
Ipswich are pushing for promotion to the Premier League this season, but United would likely be too big a task for McKenna to reject him if they came calling.
Gareth Southgate, unemployed
East England The manager has been out of the game since stepping down from his Three Lions role following Euro 2024. The 55-year-old has shown no inclination to return to management since then, but after guiding England to two Euro finals and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, he has fans at Old Trafford.
Southgate is available and therefore will not include a compensation fee; If he’s interested, he’ll be an immediate suitor.
– Ogden: Man United will have to make a big move with the next manager after firing Amorim
– Marcotti: Breaking down Man City-Chelsea, Amorim out of Man United, more
-Dawson: The inside story of why Man United sacked Ruben Amorim
Xavi, unemployed
East barcelona The coach guided Barca to the 2022-23 LaLiga title during a three-year stint at the Camp Nou, but has been out of work since leaving the club at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Xavi, 45, is keen to operate in the Premier League and his availability would make him an attractive candidate. But due to his lack of experience against Premier League opponents and managing a fixture workload, Xavi may have too many negatives for United to accept as his two previous appointments – Amorim and Eric ten Hag – struggled to adjust to the demands of the English top flight.
Michael Carrick, unemployed
Carrick spent a previous stint as interim manager at United, and takes charge of three games in 2021 following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The 44-year-old has since spent three years managing Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship.
After leaving Boro at the end of last season, Carrick has yet to show a desire to return to management, but his knowledge of the United team and the club would mark him out as a safe addition to guide the team until the summer before being handed the permanent appointment.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, unemployed
Solskjaer remains a hugely popular figure among the United fan base following his achievements as a player in Ferguson’s treble-winning 1998–99 team, but he also won the hearts of fans for the attacking style he oversaw during his three years in charge as manager from 2018 to 2021.
United finished as 2020–21 Premier League runners-up under Solskjaer, but the team lacked defensive solidity and were relegated in November 2021 after a series of heavy defeats, including a 5–0 defeat at Old Trafford. liverpoolSolskjaer was most recently in charge of Turkish club Besiktas, but after leaving them in August, he is available for an unexpected return to United,
Enzo Maresca, unemployed
Maresca is out of work after leaving Chelsea last week. In his 18-month tenure at Stamford Bridge, he led success in the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. His availability made him an obvious candidate, and Maresca had also worked closely with United CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox when all three men were appointed. Manchester CityBut Maresca’s philosophy of possession-based play may not work with United’s squad of players,
summer candidate
Thomas Tuchel, England
The England manager has spoken to United about a successor to Ten Hag in the summer of 2024 before opting to return to club management. With his Three Lions contract expiring after the World Cup, he would be a potential summer appointment.
Tuchel, 52, ticks every box for United – he won the Champions League with Chelsea and also managed Bayern Munich And Paris Saint GermainHowever, his reputation for being outspoken and challenging his bosses can cause fireworks behind the scenes,
mauricio pochettino, United States of America
The American coach is under contract until after the World Cup, but sources told ESPN the 53-year-old is open to a return to club management when his international commitments end.
United have considered Pochettino three times in the last 10 years, and were on a two-man shortlist with Ten Hag in 2022 before missing out on the former Ajax coach. With his Premier League credentials and his experience at big clubs like PSG, Chelsea and Spurs, Pochettino would be a perfect fit for United.
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carlo ancelotti, brazil
The 66-year-old is contracted to coach Brazil until after the World Cup, but if United want an experienced coach with an impressive track record, Ancelotti is the obvious candidate.
With multiple Champions League winners AC Milan And real Madrid At Bayern Munich and with big club experience, juventuspsg, napoli And Chelsea, Ancelotti also worked in more constrained circumstances evertonHe will receive a large salary and United will be expected to sign better players, but under his leadership, the club will become more attractive to potential signings,
Julian Nagelsmann, Germany
The Germany coach is under contract until Euro 2028, but his future could depend on the outcome of his team’s World Cup campaign.
Still only 38, Nagelsmann has rebuilt his reputation in the Germany job after being fired in 2023 following a turbulent 18-month tenure at Bayern Munich. TSG Hoffenheim And RB leipzig That made Nagelsmann one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches, and his stock within the game remains high.
andoni irola, AFC Bournemouth
The Bournemouth coach has earned praise for his work at the Vitality Stadium, turning the Cherries into a team that consistently outperforms its budget.
Whether his high-energy style will work with the current United team is a question mark. However, as a coach with proven Premier League experience, Ireola will be considered at United.
