After losing three of his first six Premier League games in charge of Manchester United this season, it’s no surprise that pressure is once again starting to mount on manager Ruben Amorim.
The 40-year-old could only lead the Red Devils to a 15th-place finish last time around, but he was handed the benefit of the doubt after taking the reins midway through the campaign.
However, the hierarchy backed him with over £200m worth of funds to strengthen his first-team squad, but so far, it appears that his attempts have been to no avail.
Questions have since started to be asked about his long-term future in the role, but it’s thought that the hierarchy aren’t yet planning a change of manager despite the recent poor form.
Despite such reports, rumours continue to swirl around Old Trafford, with numerous names constantly touted over a potential switch to take the reins in the near future.
The latest on United’s hunt for an Amorim replacement
Over the last couple of days, former England boss Gareth Southgate has been hugely linked with the role at United – not for the first time, after being touted for the position numerous times in recent years.
The 55-year-old would be a cheap option for the hierarchy, with no compensation fee needing to be paid, given he’s currently without a job after departing the Three Lions role in July last year.
However, he’s not the only manager currently in their sights, with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner another huge target, according to Graeme Bailey.
The journalist confirmed in recent days that the Eagles are planning to tie the Austrian down to a new contract, but the Red Devils are looking to swoop and secure his services.
He also stated that the 51-year-old could be open to the switch after receiving a lack of funding at Selhurst Park, with the move to Old Trafford undoubtedly a huge jump in his managerial career.
Why United’s latest target would be the next Mourinho
José Mourinho was a manager who divided opinion during his time at United, but his ability to win trophies is something which simply can’t be understated.
The 62-year-old spent two and a half years in the role at Old Trafford, securing two trophies in the form of the Europa League and the EFL Cup – with both trophies coming in the 2016/17 campaign.
He also led the club to their joint-highest league standing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, ending the 2017/18 season in 2nd place behind Manchester City.
His outspoken nature often drew discontent from the fanbase, subsequently leading to his departure from the Red Devils back in December 2018.
However, the hierarchy could appoint their next version of the manager should they appoint Glasner, with the Austrian possessing a lot of similarities to Mourinho.
In a surprising turn of events in 2024/25, the 51-year-old claimed the FA Cup by beating Manchester City in the final to secure their first-ever major trophy.
He also won the Community Shield against Liverpool back in August, matching the feat achieved by Mourinho at Chelsea before his own move to the Theatre of Dreams.
Games managed
57
Wins
23
Draws
20
Losses
14
Goals scored
88
Goals conceded
68
Points won
89
Points per game
1.6
Win percentage
40.3%
Glasner, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has also led the Eagles to an 18-game unbeaten run across all competitions – the longest of any side in England’s top-flight.
In his 72 outings in charge of the Eagles, he’s claimed victory in 35 of them, whilst only losing 15 times – further highlighting how impressive he’s been at Selhurst Park.
Such a record has seen him lose six fewer games than Amorim at United, that’s despite taking charge of 23 more outings than the 40-year-old at Old Trafford.
It remains unclear if Glasner himself would be open to making the move to Manchester, but it’s clear that the Austrian would be an unbelievable appointment should Amorim depart.
Given the failures felt since the current boss took charge nearly 12 months ago, it’s crucial that the board make a huge call on his future in the coming weeks, but the appointment is just as important, with Glasner needing to be the number one target.