Manchester United are reportedly starting preparations to have backup plans in place in case they decide to sack Ruben Amorim before the end of the current season. According to reports, former United midfielder and current under-18 head coach Darren Fletcher has emerged as the favourite to take over the reins in an interim role if Amorim faces the axe.
Fletcher a candidate for Man Utd interim role if Amorim is fired
According to a report by , former midfielder Fletcher is high on Manchester United's shortlist to become the club's caretaker in the event current head coach Amorim is sacked before the end of the season. The Scotsman was appointed as the under-18s head coach at the end of June and has impressed the club with his managerial style, with the results speaking for themselves, too.
AdvertisementGetty Amorim feeling the heat
The notion after Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag midway through the 2024-25 season was that he needed time and a full pre-season to implement his ideas. However, despite being backed with an investment of over £200 million (€231m/$270m), United languish in 14th position on the table. Since Amorim's arrival, the Red Devils have aggregated a measly total of 34 points in 33 league games, with the ex-Sporting CP boss being criticised for being too stubborn to change his tactics and system. If he is sacked before November, United are obliged to pay him a severance package worth £12m (€14m/$16.5m).
Who have United been linked with to replace Amorim?
A number of names have been speculated to take over the reins from Amorim if he faces the sack this season. Ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been tipped for a return, given the way he managed to stabilise the ship following Jose Mourinho's sacking in the 2018-19 season. Michael Carrick, too, was reported to be on the club's radar for a return in an interim role, but he now has a new job as a Technical Observer for UEFA. Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, who has fired the Eagles to two titles in the last five months, has been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford, while former England boss Gareth Southgate and Barcelona legend Xavi's names have also made the rounds in the media.
GettyUnited and Amorim desperate for a win against Sunderland
United's next challenge will see them welcome surprise packages and newly-promoted Sunderland at the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday. Any result other than a win against Regis Le Bris' men will mount further pressure on Amorim, who will be desperate for a turnaround in fortunes.