New Delhi: Manchester United sacked manager Ruben Amorim on Monday following his public outburst in the post-match presser after the club’s 1-1 draw against Leeds United in the Premier League. Amorim was relieved of his duties after hitting out at the United management during the press conference, hinting at a power struggle at the club.
His ouster marked an end to a turbulent 14-month spell at the club, where he failed to win a trophy. United endured their worst-ever Premier League finish under the Portuguese last season, finishing a dismal 15th with just 42 points from 38 matches. United made it to the Europa League final last season, but finished runners-up after losing to Tottenham Hotspur.
Amorim was struggling for consistency in results in the ongoing season despite having been backed by key signings in the summer transfer window last year. United, who are currently sixth in the Premier League, are likely to appoint an interim manager for the remainder of the season before bringing a permanent replacement for the Portuguese in the summer.
A look at five contenders to become next Manchester United manager:
Xavi Hernandez
Barcelona legend and former manager of the Catalan giants, Xavi Hernandez, has been heavily linked with the Manchester United job after Ruben Amorim’s departure. Xavi managed at Barcelona from 2021 to 2024, winning one La Liga title and a solitary Super Cup before leaving. Xavi has been out of work since leaving Barcelona and has never managed in the Premier League. However, the former Spain midfielder is reportedly keen on working in the Premier League.
Oliver Glasner
Oliver Glasner is reportedly one of the frontrunners for the Manchester United job after Amorim’s axing. Glasner, who has done tremendously well at Crystal Palace, is rated highly among the decision makers at United. His current contract at Palace expires at the end of the ongoing season, which makes him an early favourite for the United job. Glasner, who joined Palace in February 2024, helped them win their first-ever major trophy by clinching the FA Cup last season. He also led Palace to Community Shield victory with a win over Manchester City.
Roberto De Zerbi
Former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is also reportedly on United’s preferred list of managers to replace Amorim. De Zerbi did reasonably well at Brighton before leaving the Premier League club for Ligue 1 side Marseille. De Zerbi, who is another highly-rated manager, has turned Marseille into genuine league title contenders against PSG in the Ligue 1. He was interviewed by United before they appointed Amorim in 2024.
Thomas Tuchel
Former Chelsea and current England manager Thomas Tuchel is also one of the leading contenders to become the next Manchester United manager. Tuchel is currently managing England and is enjoying his spell with the Three Lions ahead of the World Cup. United will have to wait till the World Cup is over to appoint the Champions League winner, who has previously expressed his desire to manage a club of the stature of the Red Devils.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane’s name has been linked with the Manchester United managerial position over the years. Zidane enjoyed tremendous success in his two stints at Real Madrid, where he won an impressive 11 trophies, including three consecutive Champions League titles and two La Liga titles. However, he has not managed any other club since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 and aspires to manage the France national team in the future.