Manchester United’s top brass are divided over who should be their next manager, with owners the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe leading the search for a new manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. Decision-makers at Old Trafford are torn between taking over immediately or delaying it until the summer.
Potential candidates include Oliver Glasner, Enzo Maresca, Lauren Blanc, Xavi, Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane. Darren Fletcher has been appointed as interim manager and could oversee United’s next two games while the club’s hierarchy is reviewed.
The Red Devils’ main objective this season is to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League, but this is seen as too ambitious a task for Fletcher. United could secure a move for Glasner in the coming weeks, depending on negotiations with Crystal Palace.
Despite his commendable performances at Palace, there are concerns that Glasner lacks experience managing a prestigious club like United. Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel are also being considered for the role, but Old Trafford leaders will likely have to wait until after the World Cup to lure either manager to United.
Pochettino will be in charge of the hosts USA in the final, while Tuchel will be in charge of England. However, there are concerns that further damage could be done before the end of the season if United choose to delay making a decision.
United can hardly afford another season without European football. Whoever takes the reins, the minimum expectation is a top-six finish.
Amorim was sacked after 14 months in charge following his abusive behavior following the 1-1 draw with United at Elland Road. However, Ratcliffe and his team are thought to have already decided to sack Amorim before the game against Leeds, having lost confidence in the Portuguese manager.
His resignation represents yet another ignominious episode in the tumultuous reign of Ratcliffe and INEOS. Amorim leaves as United sit sixth in the table with just one win in their last five games.
