Next Man United Manager: Ruben Amorim Odds-On in Premier League Sack Race but Who Might Replace Him?

Ruben Amorim has shortened dramatically in the “Next Premier League Manager To Leave” market after Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat at Brentford.

That result left Amorim — who has spent more than £250 million on new players — with 18 wins, 12 draws and 19 defeats from his 49 matches in charge.

With West Ham moving on from Graham Potter last week, Amorim is now the odds-on favourite to be the next Premier League boss to move on. But if — or when — United sack Amorim, who are the credible contenders to replace him? Read on as we list seven candidates to be the next Man United manager.

Pressure grows on Ruben Amorim after latest loss

United’s problems are piling up. The reverse at Brentford means Amorim is still waiting for his team to string together back-to-back Premier League wins. His side continue to concede the first goal with alarming regularity and remain vulnerable to direct balls down the channels.

Amorim admitted afterwards: “The first goal was a long ball. We worked on that in the week, and on set pieces. We knew the long balls were coming and one touch they had the opportunity.”

Patience is running thin. Wayne Rooney was brutally frank on his podcast over the weekend. He said: “I honestly hope he can turn it round and he does. But if you’re saying to me, ‘do you believe he will?’, then, after everything I’ve seen, honestly, I’ve got no faith in it.”

How much compensation would Man United need to pay to sack Ruben Amorim?

United paid more than £9m to prise Amorim out of Sporting last November. Terminating his contract inside the first year is believed to trigger a compensation bill in the region of £12m.

Amorim has previously insisted he would walk away without a payoff if he was no longer wanted, but few in football take such assurances literally. That financial exposure leaves United balancing the cost of persistence against the cost of change, with the upcoming international break a natural point to act if they decide to look for the next Man United manager.

Next Man United manager: Who are the leading candidates?

Gareth Southgate

The former England manager has long been admired by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The two men have spoken on multiple occasions since Southgate stepped away from international football, including shortly before Amorim was appointed.

Southgate would bring structure, a cultural reset and calm authority. The risks? His pragmatic style may not excite supporters who want expansive football, and after nine years in charge of England, he may hesitate before jumping straight back into the day-to-day grind of club management.

Oliver Glasner

Glasner has revitalised Crystal Palace, winning the FA Cup last season before getting through the first two months of the 2025/26 campaign without losing. His success at Selhurst Park has been achieved using a 3-4-3 formation — the same system many fans and pundits are desperate for Amorim to deviate away from.

It would be more than a little ironic if United ditched Amorim only to appoint a coach who thrives with the very same formation.

Andoni Iraola

The Spaniard has enhanced his reputation at Bournemouth, instilling a clear identity built on high pressing and brave build-up play. Even after losing several first-choice defenders, Iraola has kept the Cherries competitive and tactically cohesive.

Iraola is seen as a modern coach who can maximise resources and raise collective standards. For United, he would represent a project appointment rather than a marquee name — but one aligned with progressive football trends.

Xavi

The former Barcelona coach is thought to be keen on a Premier League opportunity. He would bring positional play, control in midfield and a possession-first philosophy.

Xavi’s football could help restore an identity United have lacked, but it would demand patience and squad reshaping to suit his demands. His availability and profile ensure he will remain in the conversation whenever a top English job opens up.

Zinedine Zidane

Zidane is the wildcard. His Champions League pedigree, charisma and man-management credentials are beyond question. Players respect him instantly and he has a track record of delivering success on the biggest stage.

The sticking point is desire: he has previously resisted Premier League jobs and may not relish a long-term rebuild. If he could be persuaded, however, he would bring instant gravitas and authority to Old Trafford.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino is a familiar figure in English football after stints at Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. His sides are renowned for intensity and high pressing, while he has consistently developed young players.

He understands the demands of working under ambitious owners and could balance immediate stabilisation with longer-term vision. For United, he would be a safe, credible option with Premier League know-how and experience handling pressure.

Michael Carrick

The former United midfielder is currently out of work after being sacked by Middlesbrough in June, despite a respectable record — 63 wins in 136 games, drawing 24 and losing 49. He earned widespread plaudits for the style and resilience of his Boro side, though ultimately fell short of his goal of guiding them to the Premier League. His best chance came in 2022/23, when Boro reached the play-offs but were beaten by Coventry City.

Carrick also has brief experience of managing United. He stepped in as caretaker in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit, steering the team to a Champions League victory away at Villarreal, a 1-1 draw at Chelsea, and a 3-2 home win over Arsenal. That unbeaten three-game spell enhanced his reputation and highlighted his calm, pragmatic approach.

The leap from the Championship to a full-time Old Trafford role would still be vast, but Carrick’s track record, combined with his popularity and deep connection to the club, ensure his name will always surface in discussions about who might be the next Man United manager.