A lineup of top candidates ready to replace Amorim at the helm of Old Trafford

Manchester United has once again shocked the European football world by deciding to dismiss coach Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge.

According to multiple reports from the British media, the final straw came when Ruben Amorim openly criticized the management structure at Old Trafford, claiming he was not given enough authority to build the team according to his philosophy. Amorim expressed frustration that his role was limited to coaching duties, while key transfer decisions were controlled by the club’s leadership. Consequently, the MU board made a decisive move: they immediately terminated Amorim’s contract.

From a professional perspective, Ruben Amorim failed to meet expectations. Manchester United’s performance in the Premier League was inconsistent, frequently dropping points against lower-ranked teams. The lack of a distinct playing style, fragile defense, and the decline of several key players have eroded fans’ confidence.

Right after Amorim’s departure, Manchester United promptly compiled a list of potential candidates for the managerial position, aiming to quickly stabilize the locker room and salvage the season.

The first name mentioned is Xavi. The former Barcelona coach impresses with his modern possession-based philosophy and his ability to develop young talent. Given Manchester United’s wealth of young players but lack of clear direction, Xavi is seen as a long-term rebuilding option. However, his biggest challenge would be adapting to the fast-paced, physical nature of English football. Additionally, the immediate pressure to deliver results at Old Trafford could hinder his long-term plans.

Enzo Maresca also emerges as a notable candidate. The Italian coach is highly regarded for his modern tactical thinking, pressing style, and methodical team organization. Maresca represents the youthful coaching trend that Manchester United is considering. Being recently dismissed by Chelsea means the Italian coach could join Old Trafford promptly without requiring much time to adapt.

Besides that, Zinedine Zidane remains a dream candidate for Manchester United fans. With an impressive record at Real Madrid, Zidane possesses top-level competitive experience and the leadership to manage a star-studded dressing room, something MU currently lacks. His arrival could instantly elevate the club’s image and ambitions. However, the biggest obstacle is that he has never coached in England and tends to be selective about his next career move.

Finally, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is another name brought up. Having previously managed Manchester United before being replaced by Ralf Rangnick, Ole is known for a solid defensive style combined with quick counter-attacks. During his tenure at Old Trafford, Pep Guardiola once commented on Ole’s Manchester United: "Manchester United plays an incredibly fierce defensive counter-attacking style". With his passion for the club, Ole could be the one to step in and replace Ruben Amorim.