Replacements for Amorim are ready, just waiting for him to be sacked

Ruben Amorim is feeling the heat! Following Manchester United’s 3-1 loss to Brentford, the coach finds himself under immense pressure. That defeat marked his 17th in just 33 Premier League matches at the helm. Despite the shaky run, the club has officially continued to back him… for now.

‘Ratcliffe offered me a new contract’

Reports in The Sun suggest that behind the scenes, United have quietly begun exploring potential replacements. Names being mentioned include Oliver Glasner, Fabian Hurzeler, and Andoni Iraola. Glasner, who famously guided Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory last year, has particularly impressed the hierarchy. Yet Iraola, who steered Bournemouth to ninth place, and Hurzeler, who led Brighton to eighth, are also being taken seriously.

The situation is tense for Amorim. Last season, Erik ten Hag was dismissed after just four defeats in the first nine games. Amorim, however, has a lifeline: he was personally appointed by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which has shielded him up to this point.

Manchester United appears focused on Premier League experience in their coaching search, mirroring their approach during the summer transfer window. Former England manager Gareth Southgate is out of the picture; he has not played in the league for over a decade and insists he won’t return to coaching anytime soon.

Glasner, meanwhile, stands out as a hot candidate. He claimed Europa League glory with Eintracht Frankfurt and recently achieved strong results in England with Crystal Palace. One potential complication: Glasner also favors the 3-4-2-1 system, the same formation Amorim uses.

Contract situations vary: Glasner is tied to Palace only until the season’s end, Iraola is under contract with Bournemouth until 2026, and Hurzeler with Brighton until 2027. Amorim himself remains signed until summer 2026, but results have not been kind.

United finished just 15th last season—their lowest since 1974. After nearly 300 million euros spent on new signings this summer, the team currently sits in 14th place. The upcoming clash against Sunderland could be pivotal, followed by a daunting meeting with Liverpool, against whom United haven’t won since January 2016.

Amorim, however, remains resolute: "I'm always confident because I know what to do. When you lose, you go back and fight again for the win, which can bring momentum."