Manchester United’s Next Boss: Who Fits the Old Trafford Hot Seat Best?
Manchester United’s Next Boss: Who Fits the Old Trafford Hot Seat Best?
Manchester United must select a new permanent manager, and this decision appears to be of significant importance. Ruben Amorim has departed after merely 14 months, and Darren Fletcher has assumed interim responsibilities as the club prepares for a forthcoming summer appointment.
Old Trafford Faces a Critical Juncture
United has now appointed a new manager ten times since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, with permanent, interim, and caretaker coaches all attempting and failing to restore the club’s former grandeur. Amorim’s departure followed disputes regarding transfer policies and tactical approaches, as well as a subpar league performance that positioned United sixth in the Premier League. The club described it as the appropriate moment to implement a change and appointed former midfielder Darren Fletcher to oversee the team for at least the next two matches against Burnley and Brighton.
The Principal Names on the List
Supporters, journalists, and betting markets have already identified several prominent candidates, despite United not providing any definitive indication of their selection. The most discussed figures include Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, interim head Darren Fletcher, former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, ex-United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and international managers Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate. These options encompass a variety of styles: some are highly skilled tacticians from club football, while others are more renowned for their work with national teams at the international level.
Oliver Glasner: Accomplished Tactician and Trophy Winner
Oliver Glasner may represent the most suitable candidate purely from a coaching perspective. He guided Crystal Palace to their inaugural FA Cup victory in 2025, secured a Community Shield, and qualified the team for European competition for the 2025-26 season. His contract expires at the end of this season, and negotiations for a new agreement are currently on hold, increasing the likelihood of a transfer to United and maintaining his position among the leading candidates.
Glasner’s teams apply intense pressing, defend within a well-organized structure, and transition swiftly in attack, which may benefit United’s youthful attackers. He also has over 10 years of experience in premier divisions with Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Crystal Palace, demonstrating his ability to develop projects and manage pressure effectively. Public information regarding his social media presence and net worth remains scarce; he maintains a discreet online profile and is not recognized as a brand-centric coach.
Darren Fletcher: Dedicated Club Member and Reliable Guardian
Darren Fletcher is currently positioned in the dugout and is among the leading candidates, according to bookmakers, for the full-time appointment. A former United midfielder who participated in 12 seasons under Ferguson is familiar with the “Fergie Way” and has served as head coach of the club’s academy teams this season. The club appointed him as interim manager following Amorim’s dismissal due to his familiarity with the dressing room and the club’s youth development structure.
As with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before him, Fletcher may secure the permanent position if the team performs effectively and results improve during his interim tenure. His primary deficiency is limited senior management experience, as he has not yet overseen a first team for a full season. Fletcher’s social media presence and income are not extensively disclosed; however, as a seasoned Premier League player and coach, he is presumably financially secure, though his exact net worth remains undisclosed.
Enzo Maresca: Innovative Strategies and a New Beginning
Enzo Maresca introduces a contemporary, offensively oriented approach that some Manchester United supporters would like to see. He led Leicester City to promotion to the Premier League in 2024. Subsequently, he had a successful first season at Chelsea, securing victories in both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup before departing amid disagreements similar to those experienced by Amorim at United. His teams aim to dominate possession and develop play from the defense, which may establish a distinct identity for United in terms of ball control.
Maresca remains regarded as one of Europe’s emerging coaches and is widely expected to return swiftly to a prominent position, which could lead him to Old Trafford. As with many managers, precise figures for his social media following and net worth are not publicly documented, although his profile has expanded alongside his recent achievements.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: The Ideal Choice for a Romantic Approach
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a name that consistently emerges whenever Manchester United requires a manager. He led the team to second place in the league in 2021 and guided them to a Europa League final. His strong connections to the club and its supporters maintain his esteemed reputation among segments of the fanbase. He is currently unemployed after being dismissed by Besiktas after an eight-month tenure, making him available for immediate employment if Manchester United seeks a short-term solution.
Any prospective return to the Old Trafford managerial position would almost certainly begin with another interim period, during which the board would closely monitor his performance to assess whether he can replicate his initial positive impact. Solskjaer maintains a modest yet noticeable presence on social media and is widely reported to have a net worth of several million pounds from his playing and coaching careers, although exact, verified figures are limited.
Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate: Prominent Figures, Significant Inquiries
Thomas Tuchel, currently managing the England national team, is among the most accomplished coaches on this list in terms of trophies won. He has won major trophies with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, and remains committed to guiding England to the 2026 World Cup. Reports indicate that his contract extends beyond the tournament and that he was not entirely satisfied with Manchester United’s recruitment strategy during previous discussions.
Gareth Southgate, who managed England from 2016 until his resignation in 2024, has frequently been speculated to be a candidate for Manchester United’s managerial position, although his prospects appear diminished at present. Many Manchester United supporters are concerned that his composed yet cautious approach may hinder the club’s attacking talents, echoing similar criticisms about his impact on England’s offensive strategy. His sole club experience to date was at Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009, which raises doubts about his suitability for the demanding weekly schedule of Premier League and European football.
Both Tuchel and Southgate are prominent public figures with extensive media profiles and likely substantial personal wealth accumulated over years of elite coaching. However, detailed, verified net worth figures are not currently reported.
So, who should Manchester United select?
Examining trophies, contemporary strategies, and player availability, Glasner emerges as the most suitable long-term candidate for Manchester United. He has demonstrated the ability to secure trophies, develop players, and implement an effective pressing system, all while operating under duress at major clubs. His contractual status at Crystal Palace facilitates a more straightforward summer acquisition without the need for a substantial transfer fee.
Fletcher presents a decision rooted in emotion rather than logic and may serve effectively as a transitional figure or within a larger guidance staff; however, his limited experience renders the prospect of appointing him permanently a significant risk. Maresca would represent a daring choice for a new approach, whereas Solskjaer would signify a nostalgic reappointment. Tuchel and Southgate possess considerable star power, but concerns remain about their suitability and timing, particularly given World Cup obligations and uncertainties about their tactical approaches.
In simple terms, United now requires a well-defined strategy rather than relying solely on its reputation. A proven victor such as Glasner, with a contemporary playing style and potential for development, appears to be the most promising candidate to stabilize Old Trafford and restore confidence among supporters ultimately.
