Ruben Amorim sparked a fire with explosive comments during Manchester United’s press conference following their 1-1 draw with Leeds. The Portuguese manager appears to be dissatisfied with being called a head coach rather than a manager and has spoken of the possibility of leaving Old Trafford at the end of next season.
“I’ll leave it to you guys, but I realize that you’re receiving selective information about everything,” he said. “I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the manager of Manchester United, that’s clear. I know my name is not[Thomas]Tuchel,[Antonio]Conte or[Jose]Mourinho, but I am the manager of Manchester United.
“And this situation is going to continue for 18 months or until the board decides to make a change. That’s what I was saying. I want this to be over. I’m not going to quit. I’m going to do my job until someone else comes here to take my place.”
Here, Express Sport highlights four names who could succeed Amorim within 18 months, or sooner if INEOS take offense to his abuse…
Oliver Glasner
If United want to stick with a 3-4-3 manager, Oliver Glasner could be their manager.
The Crystal Palace manager uprooted the tree at Selhurst Park, winning the FA Cup last season and leading the Eagles to Europe.
He showed exactly what the formation should be and sometimes mocked the shape of the Amorim.
And Glasner’s contract expires at the end of the season, and there appears to be no sign of him signing new terms…
Andoni Iraola
Not too long ago, Andoni Iraola was the talk of the Premier League.
He was being touted as arguably the next manager of the ‘big six’ and the Bournemouth side were a breath of fresh air in the top flight.
However, a fruitless run and the impending departure of Antoine Semenyo have dampened those conversations.
Will United be able to buy into Iraola’s downfall and land the top coach in the division? It may prove to be a wise move.
Xavi
Xavi has already expressed his desire to manage in England, and United could be the perfect destination.
The legendary midfielder won La Liga while managing Barcelona, but has been out of work since leaving the Catalan giants in 2024.
His illustrious playing career will earn him instant respect in the dressing room and he has already worked for clubs considered to be among the elite in European football.
Since Xavi is a free agent, he will not ask for any compensation.
zinedine zidane
Wouldn’t that be the perfect acquisition?
However far-fetched the idea may be, Zinedine Zidane’s links with United continue even years after he left Real Madrid.
Asked directly about his chances in 2022, he told L’Equipe: “Do I want to go to Manchester? I understand English, but I’m not completely fluent.”
“I know there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way. There are many factors involved in winning. It’s a global context. I know what it takes to win.”
