Who Can Fix Manchester United? The Leading Contenders as Amorim sacked

With Ruben Amorim’s 14-month reign at an end and Darren Fletcher installed as interim manager until the end of the season, the Manchester United hierarchy has bought itself six months to find the right successor.

The challenge is significant. The new manager must be willing to work within the INEOS structure, handle the immense pressure of Old Trafford, and ideally, be available to start fresh in July 2026.

Here is the updated state of play on the leading candidates.

The ‘Free Agent’ Wildcard: Enzo Maresca

Current Status: Free Agent

Following his surprise exit from Chelsea earlier this season, Enzo Maresca has emerged as a serious contender. While his time at Stamford Bridge ended prematurely, his tactical acumen—schooled under Pep Guardiola—remains highly respected.

Maresca fits the profile of a modern, possession-based coach that INEOS desires. Being immediately available, he could technically take over before the summer, but United’s commitment to Fletcher suggests they might wait to install him properly in pre-season. The big question is whether the United board views his Chelsea stint as a failure of management or a victim of circumstance.

The Premier League Frontrunner: Oliver Glasner

Current Status: Crystal Palace (Contract expiring June 2026)

Oliver Glasner is arguably the most logical target. Reports widely suggest the Austrian will not renew his contract at Selhurst Park when it expires this summer, making him a free agent in waiting.

His stock is high after leading Palace to success (including that famous FA Cup run). His high-pressing, intense style is ready-made for the Premier League, and he has proven he can get maximum output from a squad without needing a blank chequebook. The timing of his contract expiry aligns perfectly with United’s search.

The Ambitions ‘Extraction’: Simone Inzaghi

Current Status: Al Hilal (Contract expiring 2027)

You are right to flag the complication here. Inzaghi left Inter Milan in June 2025 to sign a massive deal with Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal. While he is a proven winner with an elite pedigree, hiring him would now be an incredibly expensive and complex operation.

United would need to buy him out of a lucrative contract in the Middle East and convince him to return to Europe just one year into his Saudi project. While he remains a tactical heavyweight who guarantees trophies, the financial logistics make this a difficult deal to strike compared to when he was at the San Siro.

The ‘United DNA’ Choice: Kieran McKenna

Current Status: Ipswich Town (Contract expiring 2028)

Kieran McKenna continues to defy expectations at Ipswich Town. Having signed a new long-term deal in May 2024, he is firmly tied to the club, but the lure of returning to Old Trafford—where he previously served as assistant—could be irresistible.

McKenna represents a “project” appointment. He knows the club’s culture intimately and plays attractive football. However, extracting him from Ipswich would require a significant compensation fee, and questions linger about whether he has the necessary experience to command a dressing room of global superstars.

The International Angle: Julian Nagelsmann / Thomas Tuchel

Current Status: Germany / England National Teams

With the 2026 World Cup looming this summer in North America, two heavyweights could become available immediately after the tournament.

• Julian Nagelsmann: Leading Germany into the World Cup, he is young, tactically brilliant, and was previously admired by United.

• Thomas Tuchel: Currently managing England. If the Three Lions underperform—or if he decides international management isn’t for him long-term—he could be tempted back into club football for the 2026/27 season.

Both options would require United to wait until mid-July to get their man, potentially disrupting pre-season plans.

The Verdict

Oliver Glasner appears to be the most pragmatic choice. His contract situation makes him attainable without a fee, his Premier League experience is current, and his tactical style fits the modern game.

Enzo Maresca remains a strong “watch this space” candidate given his availability, while Simone Inzaghi is now likely an outsider due to his commitment to Al Hilal.