Manchester United have another big managerial decision to make with Ruben Amorim struggling and a number of rumoured replacements linked with replacing the Portuguese
A number of updates on the future of Ruben Amorim and potential Manchester United replacements have emerged(Image: (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images))
Ruben Amorim is facing increased scrutiny at Manchester United following a fourth defeat from seven games to start the 2025/26 season. Pressure on his job lessened in the lead up to taking on Brentford this past weekend after a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Igor Thiago put a firm stop to any momentum building with two quick-fire goals at Gtech Community Stadium. Benjamin Sesko pulled one back before half-time, but United went on to lose 3-1 after Bruno Fernandes’ missed penalty and a Mathias Jensen screamer in added time.
A victory would have seen back-to-back wins secured for the first time under Amorim, but another loss means it is just 34 points from a possible 93 picked up since he arrived. That works out at just a little over one point-per-game with United sitting in fourteenth
With that being said, MEN Sport has taken a look at the latest updates on Amorim’s future and the potential replacements that could join.
United stance after Brentford defeat
In the wake of losing at Brentford, MEN Sport reported on Monday that Amorim retains the backing of United’s board.
Club sources have stated that decision-makers are currently continuing to support Amorim with no replacements currently being lined-up. Despite that, rumours of who could come in have been rife with Zinedine Zidane, Oliver Glanser, Andoni Iraola and Gareth Southgate as options.
Southgate meeting truth
Gareth Southgate has been out of work since leaving England after Euro 2024(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
The biggest rumour in recent days has surrounded former England manager Southgate, but Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has suggested that he will not be taking over any time soon.
“I had received many questions about the Man United hierarchy about a face-to-face meeting with Gareth Southgate,” he admitted in a video to his YouTube channel.
“Manchester United sources are playing down all the reports saying that Sir Jim Ratcliffe or anyone at the club met officially with Gareth Southgate to discuss the possibility of the former England boss becoming the new Manchester United manager.
“I am not aware of any meeting, any direct contact or negotiations. The relationship between the people at INEOS and Gareth Southgate is very good and that is why we have links, but at the moment I am not aware of any proposal or that Man United are going around and telling any managers ‘we want you to be the new boss’.”
Latest Amorim sack verdict
Though United are not actively looking at new manager options, Amorim is far from safe and could be sacked if results do not improve over the coming weeks.
“Man United are still respecting their manager, Ruben Amorim,” Romano said. “They are still waiting to see an improvement and that will start from the next game, probably. The situation of Ruben Amorim remains one to watch.
“I am not saying that Amorim is absolutely safe, his job is not absolutely safe in this moment because Man United need to perform in a different way but it does not mean they met with Gareth Southgate or already started the process to appoint him. Let’s wait and see what happens but for sure the next game will be important for Amorim.”
Glasner speaks out
Oliver Glasner, 51, was installed at the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Amorim. Crystal Palace sit third in the standings and are yet to lose a game in the top-flight this campaign.
Glasner was asked about speculation linking him with United in the Austrian media. He said to Kicker: “I follow all the rumours – and that’s all there is – neutrally and completely relaxed.
“Focusing on the daily work with my players and coaches, and trying to enjoy it as much as possible.”
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