Manchester United have officially begun the search for their next permanent manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge. Amorim’s exit comes after ongoing tensions with the club hierarchy, leaving United sixth in the Premier League and in contention for Champions League qualification next season.

Darren Fletcher, the current interim manager, will oversee the next few matches, after which a caretaker manager will take charge until a permanent appointment is made.

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Premier League Candidates for the United Job

United may look for a manager with Premier League experience after recent failures with Erik ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick, and Amorim. Potential domestic candidates include:

• Unai Emery – The former Arsenal manager has transformed Aston Villa from relegation contenders into title challengers, with Villa currently third in the table. However, his previous mixed results at Arsenal could weigh against him.
• Andoni Iraola – Having guided Bournemouth to ninth place last season despite a current 11-match winless streak, Iraola remains a strong candidate due to his impressive managerial trajectory.
• Oliver Glasner – Out of contract at Crystal Palace this summer, Glasner won the FA Cup last season and may be tempted by the prestige of managing United.
• Eddie Howe – Recently ended Newcastle’s trophy drought with a Carabao Cup win and could consider a new challenge at Old Trafford.

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Internal Manchester United Options

United also have several internal options with strong club ties:

• Darren Fletcher – Current interim manager and former United midfielder, 41, who spent 11 years under Sir Alex Ferguson.
• Michael Carrick – Former United midfielder, 44, recently sacked by Middlesbrough, made 463 appearances for United, winning 17 trophies.
• Kieran McKenna – Ipswich Town boss, former United first-team assistant coach, who has impressed with back-to-back promotions and could strengthen his case with another promotion this season.
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Former United manager and fan favourite, out of work since 2021. Under Solskjaer, United finished second in the Premier League, scoring 73 goals—their highest total since Ferguson’s era ended in 2013.

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European and International Candidates

Manchester United may also turn to experienced managers from continental Europe:

• Mauricio Pochettino – Currently managing the USA national team, United’s timing could align with his availability following the 2026 World Cup.
• Xavi – Former Barcelona manager, out of work since 2024, could be drawn to the challenge of managing in the Premier League.
• Luis Enrique – Currently at PSG, won the Champions League as part of a domestic Treble, but remains committed to the French club.
• Zinedine Zidane – Out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2022, often mentioned as a potential United candidate.
• Roberto De Zerbi – Marseille manager with Premier League experience at Brighton, though his candidness may make him a risk for United’s hierarchy.

Other options include Gareth Southgate, who previously ruled himself out but has an impressive international record with England, and Enzo Maresca, recently sacked by Chelsea and potentially available for either short-term or long-term management.

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Factors Influencing the Appointment

The next United manager will need to balance:

• Champions League ambitions
• Rebuilding squad confidence
• Managing high-profile players
• Meeting expectations from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Whether United opt for a domestic, internal, or European manager, the decision will be closely watched, given the club’s recent managerial instability and its drive to return to title contention.