Topics: Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, Premier League, Football, Enzo Maresca, Darren Fletcher
A Premier League manager has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Ruben Amorim following his Manchester United sacking.
On Monday morning (January 5), news of Amorim’s departure emerged less than a day after he oversaw United’s 1-1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road.
The Portuguese’s 14-month reign at Old Trafford came to an end with the Red Devils sixth in the Premier League.
Over the past few weeks, Amorim has appeared agitated in his press conferences and claimed he wanted to be a “manager” rather than a “coach”, with many believing this was a hint at tension between himself and the hierarchy at the club.
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Amorim has also suggested that there had been disagreements in relation to his favoured 3-4-3 formation as well as player recruitment.
As reported by The Athletic, the decision was made by the club’s leadership team, including the chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, after a “breakdown in relations” between themselves and the 40-year-old.
This season, United suffered their worst start to a campaign since 1992/93, having previously finished a record-low 15th in the 2024/25 campaign, during which they lost in the Europa League final to Spurs and failed to qualify for European competition as a result.
United released a 106-word statement to confirm Amorim’s sacking.
“Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United,” the statement read.
“Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
“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.
“Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.”
With former United midfielder Fletcher in charge on an interim basis, the club will be keen to appoint a permanent head coach in the coming days, but who will it be?
According to Oddschecker, Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner and recently sacked former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca return odds of 3/1 and 4/1 respectively, while ex-United defender Laurent Blanc and former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez are priced at 10/1. Former England head coach Gareth Southgate is at 12/1.
Glasner has transformed Crystal Palace following his appointment as Eagles head coach in February of 2024, with the Austrian leading the Croydon club to a 12th-place finish in the 2024/25 Premier League while also guiding them to a first-ever FA Cup triumph in May of 2025. Glasner's Palace contract is set to run until the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace) - 3/1
Enzo Maresca (without club) - 4/1
Xavi Hernandez (without club) - 10/1
Laurent Blanc (without club) - 10/1
Gareth Southgate (without club) - 12/1
*Odds correct as of 10:30 a.m. on Monday 5 January.
