United Beyond Manchester

It’s the time of year again when the current Manchester United manager is under fire and looking closer to being sacked than helping the club return to glory. United officials continue to say that Ruben Amorim has the backing of the board, but things can change in a heartbeat if results do not improve.

If Amorim is sacked, who could become the latest manager to take over the Reds?

Option 1: Oliver Glasner

Oliver Glasner is the one man on this list who is currently in charge of another club. The Austrian manager has Crystal Palace flying in the early 2025-26 season, as the Eagles have beaten Liverpool at home and drawn with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The 51-year-old’s biggest achievement so far was winning the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2021-22 season. Since arriving at Crystal Palace, all Glasner has done is win, as the club won its first FA Cup last season and beat Liverpool in the Community Shield on penalties.

Glasner was recently asked about the speculation surrounding the United job, and he responded without ruling the idea out, saying, “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.”

Like Amorim, Glasner deploys a three-back system. Unlike Amorim, his version has proven effective in the Premier League.

Option 2: Xavi

Xavi started his managerial career in Qatar with Al-Sadd SC. He was a decorated manager there, having won the Qatari Cup and Qatari League Cup twice each, as well as the Qatari League and the Qatari Stars Cup. Ultimately, his success allowed him an opportunity to return to Catalonia, where he was a legend as a player.

At Barcelona, Xavi’s record was 91-29-23 in all competitions, and his biggest feat was winning La Liga in the 2022-2023 season. The Spaniard was ultimately sacked after a strange back-and-forth with club president Joan Laporta, which included him being convinced to stay, then being fired.

A report from Mundo Deportivo states that Xavi wants to work at a high-level club again and is a genuine option for Manchester United.

Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, went further, saying, “Xavi is studying the Premier League. Xavi is monitoring the Premier League, and Xavi would go immediately Man United, even without European football, he would go immediately to Premier League.”

Option 3: Gareth Southgate

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has long admired Gareth Southgate. The two have a good relationship and the 55-year-old was linked to the job previously before United hired Ruben Amorim to succeed Erik Ten Hag.

Southgate’s management experience has primarily come in international football with England. He led the Three Lions at the U21 and senior levels for a combined eleven years. His biggest accomplishment there was finishing as the runner-up at the Euros twice and making the World Cup semi-final in 2022, where England fell to Croatia in extra time.

Southgate’s limited record in club management raises concerns and fuels doubts about his suitability for Manchester United. The former center-back spent three years in charge of Middlesbrough, but was dismissed during the 2009–10 season after the club had already suffered relegation from the Premier League the year before. He has no other club experience.

Manchester United fans previously shared their dismay over links with Southgate, and they should again if he is seriously considered for the job.

Oliver Glasner would be my vote for the job, as he would enter United with momentum, an understanding of the Premier League, and a similar tactical system. Which of these managers do you think Manchester United should pursue?