5 top candidates to replace Ruben Amorim and Jurgen Klopp's opinion on Man Utd job

As Ruben Amorim clings on to his job at Manchester United, here are five viable candidates to replace him, including current Premier League bosses and Champions League winners

Ruben Amorim could soon be sacked as Manchester United manager, but there is no chance of Jurgen Klopp ever replacing him in the Old Trafford hotseat. The Portuguese coach is clinging to his job following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Brentford, which left United down in 14th place.

Following last season’s lowly 15th-placed finish and defeat in the Europa League final, Amorim desperately needed a strong start. But despite heavy spending over the summer, United don’t appear to have improved. Failure to beat high-flying Sunderland on Saturday could be the final straw for the United hierarchy. Thoughts have already shifted to who could replace him, with several high-profile candidates being linked to the job.

There is zero possibility of Klopp taking the helm, despite suggestions from some pundits that he would be the ideal candidate to turn things around. For one, after stepping down as Liverpool boss, he stated that he would never manage another Premier League side.

The German, now Red Bull's head of global soccer, also has no desire to return to frontline management at present. Speaking in March, he said: “The last thing I am thinking about actually is to be a manager again. I’m in a happy place.”

Despite the club’s travails, United remain an attractive proposition for many managers. Here are five of the leading candidates to replace Amorim if Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the head of football operations, finally runs out of patience…

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Oliver Glasner

The Austrian’s stock just keeps soaring after leading Crystal Palace to within three points of the Premier League summit following Saturday’s last-gasp win over Liverpool.

Having secured the FA Cup, Community Shield and European football, how much further can he realistically take Palace? Eagles fans will insist the sky is the limit and ask why Glasner would swap a high-flying side for one seemingly in a perpetual state of chaos.

Glasner is in a strong position, with just 12 months remaining on his Palace contract. The 51-year-old gave little away when asked about being linked with United and other clubs.

He told Kicker: “I follow all the rumours - and that's all there is - neutrally and completely relaxed. Focusing on the daily work with my players and coaches, and trying to enjoy it as much as possible.”

Gareth Southgate

The former England boss is known to be admired by Ineos and has been linked with the job in the past. Despite his success with the Three Lions - two Euros finals and World Cup semi-final - he isn’t everyone’s cup of tea due to his pragmatic approach. His appointment would have the potential to divide United’s fanbase, although a few wins would surely get his doubters onside.

Unai Emery

Like Glasner, some are questioning how much further the highly respected Spandiard can take Villa, who have been hamstrung by the game’s financial rules.

There is no shortage of cash - quite the opposite - but the club has been forced to sell in order to remain within profit and sustainability limits. Missing out on Champions League football was a big blow to the club and Emery, who may be getting itchy feet after three years at the helm.

Xavi Hernandez

The Spanish legend is ready to return to management after taking a year’s sabbatical following his Barcelona departure at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Xavi would jump at the United job and has been following the Premier League closely in preparation for his next role. Following a successful stint managing in Qatar, his record at Barca was good rather than great, with one La Liga title and a Spanish Super Cup on his CV. But following such an illustrious career, he should be able to handle the pressure of managing United.

Zinedine Zidane

Despite his success with Real Madrid, where he won three Champions League titles, Zidane has become a man of managerial mystery, with little known about his plans.

There is speculation that he is interested in taking over as France manager, a position that will become available after next year’s World Cup, when long-serving boss and former international team-mate Didier Deschamps will step down.

According to reports in France, Zidane would prioritise that over United, a job he has been linked with on numerous occasions. Still, stranger things have happened. Zidane+United would be blockbuster viewing, however it pans out.

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