Manchester United are reportedly targeting two Premier League managers should they decide to part ways with Rúben Amorim.
Since taking charge in November 2024, Rúben Amorim has been clear that Manchester United’s revival would take time, particularly as he implemented his new 3-4-2-1 system.
The 2024/25 season proved disastrous, with United finishing a dismal 15th in the Premier League and suffering heartbreak in the Europa League final against Tottenham.
Although signs of progress appeared during pre-season and in the transfer market, the current campaign has begun unevenly. United sit 14th in the table following their disappointing 3-0 loss to bitter rivals Manchester City, as well as a loss to Arsenal, and a draw with Fulham, with United’s solitary win coming against Burnley.
A shock League Cup elimination at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town only added to the scrutiny. Amorim entered the Burnley clash under significant pressure, amid speculation that another setback could have cost him his job.
INEOS are said to have reassured Amorim of their backing, but if results don’t start to improve, there is the possibility that they may look elsewhere for someone to lead United’s squad going forward. So far, two Premier League managers have reportedly been targeted should the club part ways with Amorim.
Option 1- Unai Emery
As revealed by Football Insider, United have set their sights on the current Aston Villa manager, following unrest between Emery and the Birmingham side after a quiet summer window due to profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
Despite sitting second bottom after four games, with no goals scored yet, the former PSG boss’ reputation amongst other Premier League clubs has increased after leading Villa to the Champions League quarter-final last season, while also securing Europa League football for this season.
Emery replaced Steven Gerrard back in November 2022, with the side sitting just outside the relegation zone. By the end of that season, he had secured Conference League football for the Midlands side and finished fourth place the following season.
United are reportedly said to be impressed by the impact that the Spaniard has had at Aston Villa, and would be high on the club’s shortlist if results under Amorim don’t improve.
Option 2- Oliver Glasner
Similar to Emery at Villa, tensions between Oliver Glasner and the Crystal Palace board over the summer were high following disagreements over transfer strategy, and even threatened to quit if Marc Guehi was sold.
With less than a year remaining on his contract, this season is rumoured to be his last at Selhurst Park, and because of this United are reportedly monitoring the situation should results under Amorim not get better.
Read More: What Manchester United chiefs think about Ruben Amorim after Man City defeat as ‘incredible’ sack claim made
It’s been previously reported that Glaser is attracting attention from a number of clubs both in the Premier League and across Europe, with the claim that Palace ‘fear’ losing Glasner to United.
Going into this season, United’s main goal would’ve been to get back into the European places at a minimum, but if results under Amorim don’t improve, Glasner would be a good replacement, considering he uses the same 3-4-2-1 system that Amorim prefers, and wouldn’t need yet another overhaul of the current squad to fit his tactical needs.
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