Oliver Glasner, Enzo Maresca: Man United shortlist revealed as ‘top-class’ permanent manager lined up
Man United expect to push forward with plans to appoint a “top-class” manager as the permanent replacement for Ruben Amorim at the end of the season.
Amorim was sacked by Man United following his press conference outburst in which he appeared to criticise the board following the 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola, of Crystal Palace and Bournemouth respectively, are both leading contenders for the position at Old Trafford and are high on United’s list.
Both Glasner and Iraola are out of contract with their current clubs in the summer amid uncertainty about whether they will put pen to paper on offered renewals.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is one of the names on their shortlist following his dramatic exit from Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day.
Man United eye ‘top-class’ Ruben Amorim replacement
Football Insider revealed on 9 January that Man United are likely to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the interim manager until the end of the season.
The decision to bring in an interim manager will give them time to assess a number of options, with more high-value targets expected to emerge in the summer.
Both Glasner and Iraola have been long-term targets for Man United, and are also believed to be interested in the job should it be offered to them.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “The plan initially is for the interim boss to see through the season, and then United will have time then to go and get a full-time manager.
“United really do want to bring in a top class manager, they don’t want to rush into anything so the interim manager will allow them time to look at candidates.
“There are a number of people United are looking at for this job.
“You’ve got Oliver Glasner, who is out of contract at Palace in the summer. Andoni Iraola is out of contract as well at Bournemouth. Both Premier League-proven managers.
“Then there are top names like Enzo Maresca, who is obviously available now following his departure from Chelsea.
“But for now, they’re going to take their time and try to find the best man to get United back on track, competing for honours and finding consistency.
“There’s been too many managerial changes at Old Trafford over the years, and it’s vital that INEOS get this one right.”
Could Man United’s interim boss land the permanent job?
Amid growing speculation about who will become the next permanent manager at Old Trafford, it remains a possibility that the interim boss could land the role full-time.
Football Insider revealed on 9 January that Man United could appoint Solskjaer full-time if he, or whoever lands the job as interim boss, enjoys a successful spell.
Should the rest of the season prove successful under new leadership, with a trophy and a top-four finish, there is every chance they will be considered.
Solskjaer is the current front-runner for that position, having previously landed the full-time position after a successful interim spell as Jose Mourinho’s replacement.
The former United striker previously oversaw 149 games in the full-time role, and won 78, drew 33 and lost 38 of those, before ultimately losing his job in 2021.
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