Manchester United's struggles continue, and the pressure is mounting on current manager Ruben Amorim. Following a recent 3-1 defeat to Brentford, the Red Devils are struggling at 13th in the league. Amorim's win percentage in the Premier League is significantly lower than his record in the Portuguese top-flight, highlighting his difficulty in adapting to the English league. With the team's performance often lacking coherence, questions arise about Amorim's future at Old Trafford.
If Manchester United decides to part ways with Amorim, several names have emerged as potential replacements. Here are some of the possible contenders:
- Michael Carrick: The former Manchester United midfielder is considered an "obvious" choice by some, given his history with the club and familiarity with some of the players. He previously served as an interim boss and caretaker manager at United. However, he recently lost his job at Middlesbrough after they failed to reach the Championship play-offs last season.
- Oliver Glasner: The Crystal Palace boss has garnered attention for his impressive work at Selhurst Park. He guided Palace to their first-ever FA Cup trophy and boasts a solid win record.
- Mauricio Pochettino: The current head coach of the United States men's national team has been linked with the United job in the past. However, his reputation has taken a hit after unsuccessful spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
- Kieran McKenna: The Ipswich Town boss was previously a first-team coach at Man United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He led Ipswich to the Premier League last season, although they were relegated.
- Graham Potter: Recently available after being let go by West Ham United, Potter is admired for his tactical flexibility and ability to develop young players. However, his career has been on a downward spiral since leaving Brighton, and he struggled to implement his approach at West Ham.
- Xavi Hernandez: Out of work since leaving Barcelona, Xavi's availability could be appealing to Manchester United. He possesses a sharp football mind and a tactically adaptable approach.
- Marco Silva: With extensive Premier League experience, Silva is known for his pragmatism and focus on structure and organization. However, there might be doubts about his capacity for long-term progression at United.
- Gareth Southgate: The former England boss has been linked with the role, but the idea has faced resistance from Man United fans.
- Massimiliano Allegri: Currently without a club, Allegri is known for his defensive astuteness. However, his focus on a strong defense might not align with Manchester United's primary need for attacking improvement.
The struggles at Manchester United extend beyond just the manager's position. Since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013, the club has faced managerial instability, poor recruitment, and structural mismanagement. The lack of long-term planning and a clear footballing philosophy have also contributed to the decline. Several players are expected to leave to free up funds to strengthen the Red Devils' midfield. Over the years, the club has made questionable decisions in hiring managers, often based on past glories rather than present suitability.
Whoever takes over, they will need to address not only the on-field performance but also the deeper systemic issues that have plagued Manchester United for over a decade.
