Manchester United’s rocky start to the 2025/26 campaign has triggered internal discussions about a managerial shake-up, with Ruben Amorim’s future hanging by a thread. After a dismal 15th-place league finish last season and an early exit from this year’s League Cup, reports suggest that the club has already shortlisted potential successors—fueling speculation that Amorim’s days at Old Trafford are numbered.
Amorim Under Pressure After Disastrous Start
Manchester United’s decision to back Ruben Amorim with an estimated £200 million in transfer spending over the summer came with high expectations. The arrivals of Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo were intended to spark a turnaround after a forgettable 2024/25 campaign. But early results have raised more concerns than optimism.
The Red Devils have managed just one point from their opening two Premier League games—drawing with Fulham and losing to Arsenal. The tension escalated when League Two side Grimsby Town sensationally knocked United out of the League Cup in midweek, a defeat many see as the final straw.
Managerial Exit Feels ‘Inevitable’ as Shortlist Emerges
According to new reports, Manchester United’s hierarchy is actively preparing for a post-Amorim era. GiveMeSport reveals that internal plans to replace the Portuguese coach have already leaked, and his departure is now seen as a matter of “when, not if.”
A shortlist of managerial targets has reportedly been drawn up. Among the top candidates are Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola. Interestingly, England boss Gareth Southgate is also being considered, though concerns reportedly remain about potential backlash from United supporters if he were appointed.
CaughtOffside sources suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS leadership are ready to act swiftly should results continue to deteriorate. The plan appears to be in motion, with only a “reliable replacement” needed to trigger Amorim’s exit.
Burnley Clash Seen as Make-or-Break Moment
With morale already low and results faltering, all eyes turn to Manchester United’s upcoming fixture against Burnley. Former club scout Mick Brown, who remains connected to the club, warned that another loss could spell disaster for Amorim.
“If they lose to Burnley, it could be the final nail in the coffin,” Brown told Football Insider. “They’ve already stumbled against Fulham, and that League Cup exit was humiliating. You can feel the pressure snowballing.”
Brown added that despite the attacking reinforcements, there have been “very few signs of improvement,” and the squad’s confidence appears to be waning. “Amorim needs not just results—but a shift in morale. Because when a team falls into a rut this early, it’s very hard to pull them out.”
United Board Prepared to Act Early
The expectation within the club is clear: another underwhelming season won’t be tolerated. With no European football this year and significant investment already made, the stakes are higher than ever.
Southgate’s name might raise eyebrows among fans, but his inclusion on the shortlist underscores the board’s desperation to stabilize the club. Whether Amorim can cling to his job beyond the next match may ultimately depend on a decisive response against Burnley.
