Manchester United and Ruben Amorim have finally parted ways. After 14 months and a 31% win rate, Amorim has left the Old Trafford dugout, and you can't say he has many advocates left.
Amorim himself has made his fair share of enemies, like his icing out of Kobbie Mainoo and his acerbic press conferences, where his most recent attack on the United hierarchy may have finally got him the sack.
Former United midfielder and current under 18's manager Darren Fletcher will take charge on an interim basis, but his inexperience in a major managerial position will mean United and INEOS will be casting their eyes forward and looking for a long-term replacement.
With The Athletic reporting that they will likely not make a permanent appointment until the summer, United may well have access to a wider market of managers, as teams will be more willing to part with their managers given the gap between seasons. Here are five potential options for United's next manager.
Five logical replacements for Ruben Amorim as Manchester United manager
Oliver Glasner
With the news that United may well wait until the summer to make their permanent appointment, Oliver Glasner, current manager of Crystal Palace, does seem like a fair choice.
His contract with Crystal Palace is reportedly up in the summer, and he has made no moves to renew. Glasner has worked wonders for Crystal Palace in the two years since his hiring, with the highlight being the twin victories at Wembley in the FA Cup final the Community Shield respectively.
With United being forced to pay out Amorim's contract in full, money may well be an important factor in the hiring of a manager, and Glanser may not have to be bought out of his contract. He also plays a 3-4-3 formation, although one vastly different from Ruben Amorim's, and also more proven and successful.
Many United fans may wish to see the back of a 'three at the back' formation given United's struggles with it these past 14 months, and United may be hesitant to stay with that formation, instead wishing to turn over a new leaf and return to a back four. Glasner will, however, remain a perennial candidate until the job is filled.
Xavi
Xavi is a name consistently floated when a major team sacks their manager. He is one of the few managers with a proven record who is still without a job after being relieved of duty by Barcelona in 2024.
Xavi had a mixed era at Barcelona, but led them to their first title in four years, and handed debuts to young stars like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí. Xavi's interest in nurturing young talent, especially through such a rocky period financially, like the one he endured at Barcelona, makes him a genuine culture fit for United.
His lack of experience outside of Barcelona, as well as his mixed record in his time as manager, like successive Champions League group exits, may make United question his credentials. But Xavi is a blend of quality tactical management and player management, one that surely will not be on the market for much longer if he doesn't want to be.
Andoni Iraola
Iraola has caught the attention of some major clubs during his time at Bournemouth. He took a team that seemed destined to go down and carried them to a modest 9th place finish. He was then forced to sell many of his best players, including virtually his entire back four, and has kept Bournemouth consistent and successful.
Manchester City are rumoured to have been considering him if Pep Guardiola leaves this summer, and Manchester United should too. Iraola plays attacking, high-pressing football, he's efficient on a budget, and he's happy to place his faith in young talent.
Bournemouth have undoubtedly had difficult times under his tenure, not least their current run of form which leaves them without a win in two months. Iraola's appointment would come with its risks, but he is a rising talent in the managerial world, and if United don't get their hands on him another club might.
Keiran McKenna
Keiran McKenna and Manchester United almost seems like an inevitability. One day their paths will cross again. The Ipswich man was once assistant coach to Ole Gunnar Solskjær at United, and reportedly led many of the training sessions.
His set-up at Ipswich is remarkably similar to the one United had under Ole: fluid football, quick ball movement, vertical football. Although he was relegated with Ipswich, the fact he ever got them to the Premier League is an astounding achievement.
McKenna may be difficult to move out of Ipswich in the short-term as he is under contract and well embedded into their club. His lack of success in the Premier League is also a concern, and some may consider it too much of a step up too soon. Maybe one day he will be ready to take charge of United, but that may not be the right move now.
Darren Fletcher
Maybe the best solution is also the easiest one. Darren Fletcher was also part of the coaching team under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and has remained part of the leadership team since his departure, and now coaches the under 18's.
Fletcher is a well-known personality at Old Trafford, well liked by the fans. He's also proved himself, though to a limited extent, competent at leading a team through his time with the under 18's.
Given he may well be manager until the end of the season regardless, United may just decide that, if Fletcher's results are good enough, then it's time to take a big swing and appoint him to the role full-time.