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INEOS given Man United manager boost with Maresca keen to replace Amorim
Man United‘s search for Ruben Amorim’s replacement has entered a critical phase following the Portuguese’s dismissal earlier this month.
The decision to part ways with Amorim came after just fourteen months in charge and six defeats in his final eight matches, leaving the Red Devils desperately requiring immediate stability during the second half of a difficult campaign.
Darren Fletcher has been installed as preliminary interim boss and took charge of his first match against Burnley last night, while the club’s hierarchy determine their long-term strategy.
The former Scotland international was already working at Old Trafford before stepping into the breach, providing continuity during a period of considerable uncertainty surrounding the managerial situation.
Director of football Jason Wilcox has emerged as the key figure leading the appointment process. Media sources confirm that Wilcox is assessing all available options right now and conducting extensive talks with fellow members of the hierarchy as they attempt to identify the right candidate.
Big name title-winning manager now open to replacing Amorim at Man United
It would be an arguable statement appointment.
The central question facing United’s decision-makers revolves around whether to pursue a permanent replacement immediately or appoint an interim manager through until summer.
That decision has not yet been finalised just yet, according to some reports, with the limited availability of top-tier candidates during January likely proving the decisive factor.
Reports from Italy have claimed that United have already been knocked back by ex-Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, despite the Red Devils offering him a seismic contract worth £288,000-per-week.
Four United icons have expressed keen interest in taking the job on an interim basis if the club decide to wait until summer before making a permanent appointment.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Michael Carrick and Fletcher himself are all available and willing to step into the Old Trafford dugout, providing United with multiple options who understand the club’s culture and expectations intimately.
Solskjaer in particular finds himself in advanced talks over a return to United.
The Norwegian previously managed the Red Devils between December 2018 and November 2021, delivering three consecutive top-four finishes before his dismissal following a poor run of results.
However, there is another free agent boss under discussion.
As per TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is a genuine contender for the permanent role.
The Italian became available immediately after Chelsea dismissed him on New Year’s Day following his own difficult spell at Stamford Bridge, and Maresca is apparently keen on the Man United job despite the challenges facing whoever takes charge.
Maresca’s availability represents an intriguing option for United, with Bailey stating he could jump into the job ‘immediately’ if United decide to pursue him.
The 45-year-old spent 18 months at Chelsea, securing a Champions League return for the Blues, a Conference League title and triumph at the Club World Cup which brought millions to Stamford Bridge.
Maresca left after what appeared to be a tense relationship with the hierarchy, and his constant rotating also attracted some criticism.
However, the ex-Leicester City boss’ willingness to accept the job provides United with a ready-made solution if they determine that waiting until summer carries too much risk.
Pep Guardiola has also called Maresca “one of the best managers in the world“, though he’ll admittedly have a bias after working with him at Man City.
In terms of other candidates, Sir Gareth Southgate also remains under consideration, according to TEAMtalk.
The former England manager is a particular favorite of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose admiration for Southgate’s work with the national team is well-documented.
The 54-year-old is currently out of work and would be available to start immediately if approached. That being said, Wilcox apparently recognizes that delaying the permanent appointment until summer would really expand the pool of available candidates.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola are both reportedly admired at Old Trafford, and both will be out of contract at the end of the season, making them realistic targets.
Roberto De Zerbi has burst into contention over recent days too, according to reports. The Italian currently manages Marseille, but sources suggest he actively wants the United job and would be open to leaving France if the opportunity arises.
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The Red Devils could turn to a former player as they seek stability after Ruben Amorim’s departure.
