Three managers who could take over at Man United as Ruben Amorim sack looms
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim’s job is under threat after a 3-0 loss away at Manchester City on Sunday.
Man United’s loss to Man City saw Amorim take United to a 33-year low as his position at the club looks increasingly under threat.
Man United are reportedly ready to sack Amorim during the October international break, with a shortlist of candidates already lined up.
Amorim was appointed United boss during the international break in October 12 months ago, but as television pictures emerged of Sir Jim Ratcliffe watching on as Man City thumped Man United, many assumed Amorim’s days were numbered at Old Trafford.
Reports have also suggested that United are looking to mirror their transfer policy and sign a Premier League-proven manager to take over from Amorim.
Andoni Iraola – Bournemouth
The first name that Man United may be looking at is Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola, who took over on the South Coast in 2023.
Iraola has endeared himself to the Bournemouth crowd with his side playing beautiful football, in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 shape.
Iraola has boosted the profile of numerous talents at Bournemouth, including Antoine Semenyo, Milos Kerkez, and Dean Huijsen.
With Iraola’s approach looking to focus more on having traditional full-backs and wingers, it would be a welcome change from Amorim’s stubborn 3-4-2-1 shape.
Oliver Glasner – Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace are anticipating that their side will be plundered for its talent next summer, but their biggest star may be set to leave sooner if Man United come calling.
Oliver Glasner would offer a smoother transition for the United squad, bringing his 3-4-3 shape to Old Trafford that he has deployed to such great effect at Crystal Palace.
The biggest attraction to Glasner, though, will be his willingness to adapt in-game, manipulating his three-at-the-back shape to accommodate different game states, something Amorim seems unwilling to do.
With Glasner’s potential appointment would inevitably come links to Adam Wharton and Daniel Munoz, who both appear to be ready-made fixes to big holes at United and have worked under the Austrian at Selhurst Park.
Fabian Hurzeler – Brighton & Hove Albion
While young, Fabian Hurzeler has proven to have a great tactical nous since moving to Brighton from Bundesliga side St. Pauli in 2024.
Hurzeler, like Iraola, would use a more traditional four at the back system, with a slight variation of a 4-4-2 shape being the German’s go-to shape at Brighton.
The Texas-born head coach got Brighton within touching distance of European football last season, and with Man United’s financial backing, could be the man to return United to the pinnacle of English football.
Similarly to Glasner, Hurzeler would also provide a clear pathway for the likes of Carlos Baleba, a player who is admired at Man United, to make a move to Old Trafford next summer.