Head coach Ruben Amorim reached the nadir of his Manchester United managerial career on Wednesday night, didn’t he? The 40-year-old’s Red Devils travelled to Blundell Park to face League Two opposition Grimsby Town in the second round of the League Cup – and, well, they lost on penalties after drawing 2-2.
Expectedly, the Portuguese tactician – who enjoyed plenty of success in his homeland with Sporting CP – has come under intense scrutiny following their early exit. The INEOS bosses have an important decision to make regarding his future at the club.
There is every chance, especially with the first international break of the campaign on the horizon, that United part ways with Amorim, who has the lowest win rate of any Manchester United manager in the Premier League era – a measly 35.6%.
Stealing a manager off another team so early into the campaign, however, does come with its issues and that’s why the club could tap into the free agent market. But who could replace the Portuguese if the Premier League side were to enter a new era?
15 Best Unemployed Managers to Replace Amorim
ruben amorim
Roberto Mancini, despite managing Manchester City between 2009 and 2013, is a certified tactician. Last in charge of the Saudi Arabia national team, it would certainly mark a significant career change for the Italian – but the seasoned boss is accustomed to the Premier League way of life at least.
Lucien Farve and Domenico Tedesco are also managers that are currently out of work and, therefore, readily available to replace Amorim if push comes to shove. And then there’s Gareth Southgate, who possesses a close bond with INEOS figures.
gareth southgate england
Widely regarded as one of the best managers in England national team history, he was unfortunate not to get his hands on silverware on the international stage – but his poor tactical approach could prevent the appointment coming to fruition.
Sean Dyche, too, is available and oozes an abundance of experience and know-how of England’s top flights. Let’s be frank, there are certainly worse appointments available to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co.
There is, of course, former Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic custodian Ange Postecoglou. The Greek-Australian would bring Premier League experience aplenty to the Old Trafford club – but his tactics, much like Amorim, were slammed relentlessly.
Ange Postecoglou Record vs Man Utd
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Sergio Conceicao, Edin Terzic and Luciano Spalletti – despite their varying levels of success in the hotseat – could also be in the running for the Old Trafford job should it become available. Roger Schmidt, Thiago Motta and Marco Rose are another triumvirate of available managers that could be on the list.
Could there be a return for Michael Carrick on the cards? Let go by Championship outfit Middlesbrough in the summer of 2025, the former midfielder is young, is tactically astute and knows exactly what to expect from day-to-day life at Manchester United.
Michael Carrick
Zinedine Zidane, the only manager in history to win the Champions League three times on the bounce, harboured plenty of success with a star-studded Real Madrid and his services could be on the table should the plug be pulled on Amorim.
Xavi Hernandez, formerly of Barcelona in a player and manager capacity, would be the wisest appointment of the lot. Replaced by Hansi Flick, there are very few figures that can match the Spaniard’s footballing understanding – and he’d be quick to instil a new way of thinking at Old Trafford.