Ruben Amorim replacement: United legend suggests four-man shortlist – Man United News And Transfer News | The People’s Person

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Manchester United said goodbye to Ruben Amorim on Monday after a turbulent period at Old Trafford.

Tension was high at the Theater of Dreams following the Portuguese’s public outburst following the 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday, January 4 in the Premier League.

The Red Devils’ recent poor run hasn’t helped the former Sporting Clube de Portugal manager’s cause; the team managed just three wins in their last ten Premier League games. INEOS ultimately decided the time was right for a change at the helm and dismissed him from his position on Monday.

Amorim’s poor record at United

Amorim took charge of United in November 2024, having transformed Sporting’s fortunes during his four-year spell at the Estadio Jose Alvalade. However, he failed to make a flying start at the Theater of Dreams, finishing the 2024/25 season in 15th place in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final 1–0 to Tottenham Hotspur.

However, INEOS backed him this summer, investing more than £200 million in his vision to sign Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens. There were signs of improvement, especially in the final third, but the team struggled with consistency, eventually forcing the English giants to make a stand.

Amorim left with an embarrassing record, having managed just 24 wins in 63 games in charge of the Red Devils.

Ruben Amorim Management Statistics

Source: Wikipedia.

United have since announced that Darren Fletcher will remain in charge for the midweek match against Burnley. However, the rumor mill is already in full swing and several managers have been linked with the hot seat at the Theater of Dreams.

Club legend Rio Ferdinand has now named his four choices for the job.

Ferdinand’s four-man management shortlist

Sharing his opinion about TweetFerdinand named Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi, England manager Thomas Tuchel, former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez and Fletcher as options for the job. He wrote: “I’d go… The Zerbi / Tuchel / Xavi or Darren Fletcher if things go well?”

De Zerbi was previously linked to United and already has experience as a manager in the Premier League at Brighton & Hove Albion. Meanwhile, Xavi is also a long-term target for the Red Devils hierarchy and is currently under consideration.

Tuchel, on the other hand, was considered by INEOS in the summer of 2024, before they decided to stick with Erik ten Hag. While Fletcher has done a commendable job with the youth side so far, it is difficult to see him as a long-term option given his lack of managerial experience at the top level.

Final thoughts

United fans must have had enough of the vicious management cycle that has crippled the club since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. The Red Devils’ quest to return to the glory days is yet to bear fruit after a series of false starts, including the patient rebuild promised by INEOS under Amorim.

The Portuguese’s departure therefore brings more uncertainty to the ongoing chaos at Old Trafford. Fans will hope that the next manager can finally break the cycle and return the club to its heyday.

I would go….
The Zerbi / Tuchel / Xavi or Darren Fletcher if things go well?#MUFC

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) January 5, 2026

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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