First interim Fletcher, then caretaker, then one of these eight will become Man Utd permanent boss

Only a few hours have passed since Manchester United officially announced that Ruben Amorim is no longer head coach, and English media are already flooded with names of potential successors.

Some are currently out of work - like, for instance, Xavi, recently sacked Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, Gareth Southgate - while others have impressed in the Premier League, such as Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva. Last but not least, there are quite a few exquisite managers that will be available after the World Cup, like Carlo Ancelotti, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto Martinez, Lionel Scaloni. And among those names, there is probably the new (pay attention to this!) permanent Manchester United boss.

Amorim's aim at the management got him the sack

The only confirmed fact is that the ex-Red Devils midfielder Darren Fletcher will take charge on Wednesday night (11.15 pm) against Burnley as an interim. United confirmed this in a brief statement from Old Trafford, issued as part of their formal farewell to Amorim - a decision most fans are unlikely to oppose, given Fletcher's status as a true club man.

The 41-year-old Scot came through United's academy and spent 13 years in the first team before retiring in 2015. Since 2020, he has worked as a coach in the club's youth system. He knows Manchester United inside out - the good and the bad - making him a logical interim solution.

However, it seems like Fletcher will then step aside, as the club is looking for a caretaker until the end of the season, according to the BBC. There is even talk that Fletcher could be given more time, though, potentially as a caretaker.

If the match against Burnley goes well and the team shows signs of revival, he could be handed a real chance. United have taken this route before: in 2018, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed caretaker after the dismissal of Jose Mourinho - another Portuguese coach - before eventually earning a permanent contract.

Medical team, City talks and young players: Reasons for Maresca's departure revealed

Money is also a key factor. In November 2024, United paid Sporting Lisbon €11 million to bring in Amorim and handed him a contract worth around €7.5 million per year, running until July 2027 - a deal that will now have to be paid out in full. That makes a low-cost solution especially appealing, and Fletcher fits that profile perfectly.