Manchester United have been plunged into a fresh managerial search following the sudden and dramatic dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager's departure after just 14 months at the helm has sent shockwaves through the football world, sparking intense speculation over who will take the reins at Old Trafford.
Amorim's Exit Sparks Managerial Frenzy
The club confirmed Amorim's exit with United sitting sixth in the Premier League table, a staggering 17 points behind the leaders after little more than half of the 2025/26 season. This decision has inevitably triggered a wave of rumours, with a wide range of potential candidates being linked to one of the most high-profile jobs in world football.
Among the most notable voices in the debate is talkSPORT pundit and former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan. He has publicly advised the Manchester United hierarchy to pursue Aston Villa's highly-rated manager, Unai Emery, describing the Spaniard as 'best in class' for the work he has done in the Midlands.
Emery's Villa Success Catches the Eye
Unai Emery has indeed rebuilt his reputation spectacularly in English football since taking over at Aston Villa from Steven Gerrard. He has constructed a team that consistently punches above its weight, with Villa currently occupying third place in the Premier League and even being mentioned as outside contenders for the title this season.
Emery was reportedly considered for the United role before the club appointed Amorim in November 2024. He remains under contract at Villa Park for another three-and-a-half years and appears to be on course to guide the club back into the UEFA Champions League. Despite this, his name is firmly in the conversation for the now-vacant United job.
The Bookmakers' View: A Mixed Picture
The betting markets have reacted swiftly to the news, but present a confusing picture regarding Emery's chances. According to odds from BetVictor, the early favourite for the permanent position is Darren Fletcher at 8/13, followed by former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca at 2/1. In this list, Unai Emery is a distant 16/1 outsider.
However, odds compiled by the Manchester Evening News tell a different story. They have Emery at a much shorter price of 9/1, placing him alongside the likes of Xavi Hernandez and Andoni Iraola. In this market, Oliver Glasner leads the way at 7/2, with England manager Gareth Southgate at 5/1.
The full list of contenders highlights the scale of United's task. Other names in the frame include Mauricio Pochettino, Michael Carrick, Kieran McKenna, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and even the legendary Zinedine Zidane. The coming weeks will be crucial as the club's decision-makers weigh up their options to find a successor capable of reviving the fortunes of the fallen giants.
