In November 2024, everything changed for Manchester United when the Ruben Amorim era began. In an attempt to salvage their already dreary campaign, Sir Jim Ratcliffe slashed Erik ten Hag’s tenure and appointed the 40-year-old Portuguese tactician.
Despite his dismal performance in the Old Trafford dugout, the former Sporting CP head coach’s time at the Theatre of Dreams has been filled with moments of hope, even though things haven’t gone well for him. Actually, it’s either Bilbao or bust this season.
But it always feels like he’s walking a tightrope, especially given the club’s higher-up’s propensity to make last-minute adjustments. Amorim’s silver lining might be Europa League triumph, as they are the only team in Europe to have won this season.
Who would be Amorim’s most likely successor if Ratcliffe, the guy in charge of making decisions at Manchester United, decided that he wasn’t the right man for the job and ended his reign? Here is a list of possible replacements after reducing the possibilities to ten.
1. Xavi Hernandez
Out of employment since Hansi Flick replaced him at Barcelona, Xavi’s free agency – and thus, not having to prise him away from another club – may be an intriguing proposition for Ratcliffe and his INEOS-led company. In addition, he has one of the best football minds.
Throughout his playing career, he was an unparalleled technician whose tactically flexible style might help those on the Old Trafford books. The Red Devils have reportedly been linked to a financially realistic deal for the former midfielder who is now a manager, according to reports from Spain.
2. Southgate, Gareth
After England, a side brimming with players like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Phil Foden, lost back-to-back European Championship finals, Gareth Southgate was fired by the Football Association (FA).
But with a smaller side, might he succeed in Stretford? Southgate, 54, was credited with helping to restore the feel-good factor to the country, even though he wasn’t praised for his tactical skills while leading the Three Lions. It’s definitely worth seeing.
3. Allegri Massimiliano
Massimiliano Allegri is the defensively savvy manager Manchester United has been searching for. The 57-year-old, who has been without a club since spells in Italy, would be available if the Red Devils express a serious interest in hiring him.
Allegri’s most notable period was his first spell at Juventus in Turin, where he won five consecutive Serie A titles and frequently concentrated on staying resolute at the back. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Manchester United’s strength lies mostly on attack.
4. Inzaghi Simone
It would make sense for a club, and especially their boardroom leaders, who wish to win trophies to appreciate the elegant Italian who guided the Nerazzurri to Serie A success last season. Simone Inzaghi is sought after because to the genius he oversaw at Inter Milan.
In addition, during his remarkable career, the Tottenham Hotspur-affiliated goalie has won three Italian Cups and five Italian Super Cups. Despite his obvious brilliance, Inzaghi couldn’t restore Manchester’s red half to its former grandeur, could he?
5. Iraola Andoni
Following his move from Rayo Vallecano, there were early concerns about Andoni Iraola’s capacity to lead in England’s top division. However, Bournemouth’s performance this season has allayed most of the sceptics, and he will undoubtedly be considering leading a team that consistently performs in Europe.
He is highly regarded in the football echo chamber, as evidenced by the fact that he has been suggested as Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola replacement. But if the need arose, could the Red Devils outshine their neighbours and prevail in the struggle for his signature?
6. McKenna Kieran
Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town was said to be returning to Old Trafford as manager prior to Amorim, and if the Northern Irish manager is granted his P45 because of his previous connection to the team, the commotion may resume.
McKenna, who won 30 games while coaching Manchester United U18s, might become popular right away, particularly if the Tractor Boys, who face relegation, are dropped to the second division in England. If they are relegated, McKenna may be able to find new opportunities.
7. Frank Thomas
It is impossible to deny Thomas Frank’s success with Brentford in west London. Additionally, if Manchester United fires Amorim, they will need someone to lead them, and the 51-year-old Danish tactician is the ideal choice.
how he has handled Brentford’s ups and downs since taking over as manager in October 2018. He assisted them in entering the Premier League throughout that time, and he hasn’t given up, which is the mark of a trustworthy manager. But his love for the Bees might prevent him from making a move.
8. Zidane Zinedine
Has Zinedine Zidane’s ship set sail? The Frenchman, formerly of Real Madrid, has been consistently linked to the position for a while. The former central midfielder’s winning streak in Spain may be crucial to Manchester United’s comeback to glory.
Without a sure, Manchester United is an ambitious team, and it would not be impossible to sign Zidane with them. However, the Frenchman does not speak English well, which may make an appointment impossible. He is also very much in the running to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
9. Pochettino, Mauricio
In the event that Ratcliffe and his group decide to leave Amorim, they may seek for someone with Premier League experience, and Mauricio Pochettino, who managed at Chelsea and Tottenham, can offer much of that.
The Argentine is currently managing the USMNT, but things aren’t going well, and the media is criticising him for his lacklustre start to international management. Would that provide Manchester United the chance to sign a former one of the most promising young managers in football history?
10. Hoeness, Sebastian
Sebastian Hoeness is considered one of the best young managers in world football, despite his obvious lack of titles detracting from his attractiveness. He was born and reared in Munich, and at forty-two, he still has many years to go.
For Manchester United’s upper management, it might be a long-term project. Hoeness, who guided his team to a second-place Bundesliga finish the previous season, has demonstrated his tactical acumen in his native country.
xz
