Sports
The 6 most likely Ruben Amorim replacements
Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United after clashing with the club’s hierarchy over transfer plans heading into the January window, with Darren Fletcher placed in temporary charge.
Amorim won only 24 of his 63 games in charge in all competitions, or 38.1 per cent, the worst rate of any permanent United manager since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson – only interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s 37.9 per cent was worse.
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Manchester United appear to be targeting a manager who could replace Ruben Amorim.
The 40 year-old then didn’t have a leg to stand on when he told the scouting department and sporting director “to do their job” after a 1-1 draw at Leeds United.
The Red Devils have now seen ten managers come and go (including interims) since Fergie retired, and PA Media have shared a shortlist of who is most likely to be number 11.
6
Oliver Glasner
Glasner guided Crystal Palace to their first major trophy by lifting the FA Cup last season. The 51-year-old Austrian, whose Palace contract expires in the summer, has been linked to several clubs amid ongoing speculation about his future.
Like Amorim, Glasner is known to play a three-man defence with wingbacks, but has also been at conflict with the Eagles’ leadership over a lack of support in the transfer market, an all too familiar story.
5
Sir Gareth Southgate
The former England manager is reportedly admired by the Old Trafford hierarchy and has been linked with the post in the past. The 55 year-old has been called “ruthless” by England international John Stones and could be exactly what United need.
Whether Southgate wants to return to management after stepping down as England boss in the wake of Euro 2024 is open to debate.
4
Unai Emery
The 54-year-old Spaniard has transformed Aston Villa’s fortunes since taking over three years ago.
Emery masterminded a thrilling Champions League campaign last season and this term has them competing for the Premier League title despite a recent defeat to Arsenal.
The Spaniard’s perceived negative style of football may turn fans against him if results don’t go his way early.
3
Xavi
The former Barcelona midfielder was a proven winner as a player and has carried that through to his management career.
The 45-year-old won La Liga as Barcelona coach in 2023, but left the Catalan giants the following year and has been out of management for nearly two years.
2
Andoni Iraola
The 43-year-old Spaniard has been tipped to take charge of a bigger club following his work on the south coast.
Iraola has impressed since taking over Bournemouth in 2023, securing club-record points tallies in his two seasons at the Vitality Stadium. His three visits to Old Trafford as Bournemouth boss have included two 3-0 wins and last month’s dramatic 4-4 draw.
His lack of experience at an elite level club may count against him.
1
Marco Silva
Silva’s stock has risen in recent months and has extensive experience of English football having managed at Hull, Watford, Everton and Fulham.
The 48-year-old Portuguese has lifted Fulham to within a few points of the Champions League places with an attractive style of play.
His side outplayed Liverpool on the weekend Amorim was sacked, which may just endear him to the Old Trafford faithful from the off.
