Who will replace Ruben Amorim as Manchester United manager?

He's gone, it is done. Ruben Amorim is no longer the head coach – or manager – of Manchester United.

A club statement on Monday morning read: "With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change.

"This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish. The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future."

Amorim's tenure at United has finally drawn to a close after 14 fractious months. His style of play has been heavily criticised and a dramatic post-match interview at the weekend appears to have sealed his fate.

Following a 1-1 draw with rivals Leeds on Sunday, Amorim said: "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the head coach. I know my name is not [Antonio] Conte, [Thomas] Tuchel, or [Jose] Mourinho but I'm the manager of Manchester United.

"It's going to be like this for 18 months or until the board decide to change. I'm not going to quit. I'll do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me."

Less than 24 hours later, we're all waiting on 'another guy' to replace him – but who will it be?

RadioTimes.com takes a look at who might replace Ruben Amorim as Manchester United manager.

Who will replace Ruben Amorim as Manchester United manager?

Darren Fletcher

Manchester United have confirmed that Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.

Fletcher, who made 342 appearances in 13 years at United as a player, is the current Under-18s coach and has been promoted on an interim basis until further notice.

Of course, while his role appears to be temporary, this remains an enormous opportunity for Fletcher.

The club has previous form when it comes to internal promotions. Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy – all former teammates of Fletcher – have managed the club on an interim basis after coaching spells at Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the job permanently having been known to the hierarchy at the club from the coaching set-up.

Oliver Glasner

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been involved in a running power battle of his own, vocally criticising the Eagles' transfer activity – or lack of it – despite FA Cup success last season.

As a result, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, he seems likely to depart Selhurst Park whatever happens between now and May.

Glasner is seen as one of the top managers who could become available for free very soon, or immediately if United can reach an agreement with Palace.

Another scenario is that Fletcher succeeds and takes the job until the summer, at which point Glasner could be acquired following his probable departure from Croydon.

Xavi

United are set to pay another hefty managerial compensation fee following the decision to dispatch Amorim. They could neutralise some of their losses by turning to a coach currently out of work.

Xavi appears to be the new Zinedine Zidane – a blockbuster player, huge name, La Liga winner, spearhead of an enormous club on the world stage and perennially linked with every major vacancy.

He has been out of work since leaving Barcelona in 2024 but has been linked with the United job fleetingly since the Erik ten Hag era.

It remains to be seen whether Xavi will go the same way as Zidane, gladly settling for a life away from the frontline of the game, or whether he could be tempted to slot in at Old Trafford.

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