Big name title-winning manager now open to replacing Amorim at Man United
Man United ruthlessly dismissed Ruben Amorim on Monday following a spectacular breakdown in relations, with the search now on for his successor.
The 41-year-old departed after just 14 months at Old Trafford, becoming the sixth permanent manager discarded since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
Sky Sports state that Amorim’s emotional and inconsistent behaviour proved pivotal in United’s decision, with hierarchy concluding his stubborn refusal to adapt his rigid 3-4-3 system demonstrated he was out of his depth.
A heated Friday meeting with director of football Jason Wilcox deteriorated rapidly when Amorim’s tactical approaches were questioned, with the tactician not taking too kindly, according to insiders.
The final straw arrived hours after Sunday’s Leeds stalemate when Amorim insisted he came to be ‘the manager, not the coach’ — openly criticising Wilcox while demanding full control over tactical decisions.
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ESPN report that Amorim felt micromanaged by superiors and lacked freedom to implement his vision, though United maintain they provided 100 percent backing, including £250 million spent since his appointment in late 2024.
According to Opta, Amorim departs with the worst win ratio and highest goals conceded per game of any United manager in the Premier League era, finishing 15th last season with 42 points — their lowest tally in over half a century.
The disastrous campaign included a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, compounding supporters’ frustrations with his stubborn tactical approach.
However, there are those who will point to the fact that the Red Devils are still sixth in the table, level on points with Chelsea and just three points off a Champions League place.
Amorim could well have guided them back to the pinnacle of European football if he was given the chance, but now the Portuguese has departed, the search begins for his long-term successor.
Former United boss and club legend Ole Gunnar Solksjear is believed to be extremely keen on a caretaker role until the end of the season, with Michael Carrick also open to the prospect of being interim manager.
That is according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who also reports that ex-Barcelona boss Xavi has made his stance known on a potential move to Manchester.
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Writing for GiveMeSport, Jacobs claims that Xavi himself is open to the prospect of joining United, but the club themselves actually harbor doubts over his possible appointment.
It is believed that the 45-year-old – who won a La Liga title at Barcelona in 2023 and another league crown with Qatari side Al-Sadd in 2021 – is genuinely tempted by Old Trafford.
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However, it is currently unclear whether INEOS will consider the big-name tactician when factoring in his lack of Premier League experience, with the likes of Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner all potentially up for grabs later this year.
Even when considering the fact he hasn’t coached in England before, Xavi’s experience managing clubs with huge pressure on the biggest stages is surely enough to get United at least thinking about his arrival.
Despite parting ways with the tactician, Barça president Joan Laporta once called him the best coach in world football.
Make no mistake, Xavi’s free agent status means his name will be mentioned more as United’s search for a new boss drags on, with some reports in Spain suggesting that talks are expected to take place.
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