Top 5 candidates to replace Ruben Amorim at Manchester United: Xavi, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lead the race

Amorim left United following a decision by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. The relationship between the two sides had broken down in recent months due to differences in management. Reports suggest the board wanted Amorim to switch to a back four system, but the 40-year-old coach refused.

After the 1-1 draw with Leeds, Amorim said in his post-match press conference: “I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United. That is clear. I know that my name is not [Thomas] Tuchel, it’s not [Antonio] Conte, it’s not [Jose] Mourinho, but I’m the manager of Manchester United.

“And it’s going to be like this for 18 months or when the board decides to change. I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy comes here to replace me.”

Amorim has now officially left the club, forcing United to look for a replacement. Darren Fletcher has stepped in on a temporary basis, but he is not seen as a long-term option. Here are five possible candidates United could consider.

Michael Carrick

The former United midfielder has been working with UEFA since leaving Middlesbrough in 2025 and is currently without a club. He previously served as interim manager at United in 2021 and could be a short-term option until the end of the season. However, he is unlikely to be considered for a permanent role.

Gareth Southgate

Southgate has been without a job since leaving the England national team in 2024. United also considered him after Erik ten Hag was sacked, but Amorim was rated higher at the time. While Southgate is available and experienced at international level, his lack of Premier League club experience could be a drawback, even for an interim role.

Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca, who was recently sacked by Chelsea, is seen as a tactical fit for United. His playing style can work with either a back four or a back five. However, Maresca was dismissed for similar reasons to Amorim, meaning United would need to be cautious before making a decision.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Another former United player, Solskjaer has more senior managerial experience than Carrick. He recently left Besiktas and is available. While his style may not fully suit the current squad, he is viewed by some as the strongest option for an interim role.

Xavi

Xavi is considered a long-term option rather than a short-term fix. The former Barcelona coach has been without a club since leaving in 2024 and was on United’s shortlist before Amorim was appointed. Xavi also has a working relationship with Omar Berrada from their time at Barcelona, which could help avoid the issues seen under Amorim.