Manchester United Immediately Rejected By Manager Target in Major Setback

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit in one of their leading managerial targets after sacking Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils parted company with Amorim on Monday, a day on from the 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road.

United were sixth in the Premier League at the time of Amorim's dismissal, which came days after a heated meeting with director of football Jason Wilcox.

The Portuguese manager, who won just 38.1% of his games at United, is in line for a significant payout as he still had a contract until June 2027.

Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher will step up from the Under 18's and manage the club on an interim basis, with the club looking at a host of targets to take the position permanently.

Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola, Enzo Maresca, Thomas Tuchel, Marco Silva, Mauricio Pochettino and Xavi Hernandez have all been linked with the post.

Inzaghi still has a contract with Al Hilal. Image: Getty

There was also reported interest in former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, who won Serie A in 2024 and led the Nerazzurri to two Champions League finals.

He took the reins at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in the summer and led them to the Club World Cup quarter finals after a dramatic 4-3 win over Manchester City.

According to journalist Nicolo Schira "had asked info for" Inzaghi but the Italian still wishes to remain in Riyadh, having signed a two-year contract in June 2025.

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United are believed to be looking to appoint a caretaker manager until the end of the season and waiting until the summer before bringing in a permanent successor to Amorim.

And it has been widely reported that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the frontrunner to take the job for the second time.

The Norwegian, whose last coaching gig was at Besiktas in Turkey, replaced Jose Mourinho in an interim capacity in December 2018.

United handed Solskjaer a three-year contract after an impressive end to the campaign and he later led United to a second-placed finish and the Europa League final.

Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021 following a poor run of form, leading to Ralf Rangnick coming in as caretaker at Old Trafford.

Solskjaer could return to United for a second spell. Image: Getty

According to The Guardian, Wilcox considers Solskjaer a "prime candidate" and negotiations with his representatives are well underway, with the former striker seen back in Cheshire amid the speculation.

Fellow former player Michael Carrick, who has also had a short stint as interim, has also been contacted.

It's claimed that Solskjaer is desperate to take the job and hopeful of again becoming permanent manager if he enjoys a strong interim spell as he did previously.

United are back in action on Wednesday night when they take on Burnley at Turf Moor.