Manchester United find themselves in a troubling situation under Ruben Amorim, and it’s no shock that the club is already weighing up potential replacements at Old Trafford.
A string of inconsistent performances has left the Red Devils languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table, prompting senior figures to explore other managerial options should Amorim be shown the door.
One of the names on United’s radar is Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, though Palace chairman Steve Parish is reportedly determined to keep the German coach in London.
However, pundit Paul Merson believes United should look elsewhere, arguing that Glasner’s preferred tactics don’t suit the current squad. Speaking to The Express, Merson explained:
“If Ruben Amorim were managing Palace right now, he’d probably have a fair shot at success. Palace’s players are built to play with three at the back — they have the right attributes for that system. That’s why I’d be worried about Glasner taking over at Manchester United.”
“He’s a three-at-the-back man, and it is being proven that it is a system that just doesn’t fit the players at Man United. Glasner is not a good fit for Man United. Of course, I’m sure he’d be adaptable, and he’s proven with how he handles the players, but the system he uses is just all wrong for United. Amorim can tell you that.”
Michael Carrick’s name has surfaced in discussions around Manchester United’s managerial future, though he’s seen more as a long-term prospect. However, one of his fellow countrymen now appears to be a serious contender should Ruben Amorim’s tenure come to an end in the near future.
According to The Sun, former England boss Gareth Southgate has set out two major conditions as he emerges as a leading candidate to replace Amorim at Old Trafford.
The 55-year-old — praised by John Stones for his underrated “ruthless” side — has reportedly insisted that he be given ample time to implement a long-term vision for the club. Southgate believes it could take around four years to rebuild United into consistent Champions League contenders.
He also wants assurances from INEOS that they will stand by him throughout every phase of his project, fostering unity and stability as the Red Devils attempt to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.
Although Southgate hasn’t managed a club since his stint with Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009, his spell with England was widely regarded as a success. Under his leadership, the Three Lions reached consecutive European Championship finals and secured a fourth-place finish at the 2018 World Cup.
Given his proven track record of molding teams capable of competing on the biggest stages, Southgate could be the steady hand Manchester United need to unlock the full potential of their underperforming squad.
