Manchester United is in chaos again, and it’s not just the fans who are scratching their heads. The sacking of Ruben Amorim after just 14 months has left the club in disarray, with former England striker Gary Lineker bluntly labeling United a ‘basket case.’ But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: who will step into the Old Trafford hotseat next? With six permanent managers since Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, the club desperately needs stability. Let’s dive into the contenders—and trust me, this list is as unpredictable as United’s recent form.
Oliver Glasner has emerged as the early favorite, according to The Telegraph UK, with the Manchester United hierarchy reportedly ‘huge admirers’ of his work. The 51-year-old Austrian led Crystal Palace to their first major trophy, the FA Cup, last season. While he’s known for his three-man defense with wingbacks, Glasner has hinted that his heart lies with a 4-4-2 formation. But here’s the kicker: can he replicate his success at a club as demanding as United? And this is the part most people miss—his contract at Palace expires soon, making him a convenient choice. Is he the right man, or just the available one?
Roberto De Zerbi is another name in the mix, with experience in English football from his time at Brighton and now Marseille. However, former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison raises a valid point: will United’s owners give him the freedom to build the team his way? Do managers at United truly manage, or are they just figureheads? De Zerbi’s success in Ligue 1 is undeniable, but Old Trafford is a different beast. Would he thrive or be swallowed by the pressure?
Enzo Maresca, fresh off a split with Chelsea, is also in the conversation. The Italian won the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, but his fallout with Chelsea’s hierarchy raises questions. Can he handle the politics at United, or is he destined for another clash?
Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, is a name that keeps popping up. Admired by United’s hierarchy, Southgate has the experience and the temperament. But after stepping down from England duty post-Euro 2024, would he really want to dive back into club management? Is he the safe choice, or the ambitious one?
Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa into a Premier League powerhouse, pushing Arsenal and Manchester City to their limits. His Champions League campaign last season was nothing short of thrilling. But would he leave Villa for a club that’s been in turmoil for years? Is United still a destination for top managers, or has its allure faded?
And let’s not forget Darren Fletcher, the interim manager. A former United midfielder, Fletcher has a golden opportunity to prove himself. If he impresses, could he follow in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s footsteps and land the job permanently? Is he the underdog United needs, or just a stopgap?
Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino are also in the frame, though both are currently tied up—Tuchel with England’s World Cup campaign and Pochettino with the US national team. Would either of them leave their international roles for United’s chaos?
Finally, Andoni Iraola has made waves at Bournemouth, securing record Premier League points and even beating United 3-0 twice at Old Trafford. His tactical acumen is undeniable, but is he ready for the spotlight of one of the world’s biggest clubs? Is he the dark horse United should bet on?
As United searches for its seventh manager in a decade, one thing is clear: the next appointment is make-or-break. Who do you think should take the reins? And more importantly, can anyone truly fix this ‘basket case’? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
