The defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby Town was a warning for Ruben Amorim and his colleagues. It is not ruled out that if the "Red Devils" continue to have unimpressive results, the leadership of the Old Trafford team will soon end the reign of the Portuguese strategist.
Michael Carrick is being mentioned as a possible replacement for Ruben Amorim. The former Man United midfielder is currently unemployed after being sacked by Middlesbrough in June. The reason given is that Carrick could not help this team win a ticket to the Premier League.
Carrick's biggest strength is his understanding of club culture. He has the DNA of Man United, having gone through glorious and difficult years with the team. However, Carrick's weakness is his lack of experience in the top environment. The leap to Man United is a very risky step.
Accompanying Carrick in the leading group was Gareth Southgate. Southgate has been unemployed for more than a year since leaving the England team in July last year. He is famous for his good management style, especially his ability to connect with the group. For Man United, a squad that has not had strong connections with many young players and newcomers, this quality of Southagte may be necessary.
However, Southgate's biggest minus is his conservative tactics. In the eyes of many English fans, he is a perfect example, lacking creativity and often failing when facing big matches. If Man United's leadership wants an explosion to revive the team, Southgate is unlikely to be the optimal option.
The third name on the list is Mauricio Pochettino. After leaving Chelsea, he has been leading the US team since September 2024. Poch is famous for his modern pressing philosophy, fiery style and ability to develop young players. For Man United, Pochettino could become a "welder" with many years of experience in the Premier League with Tottenham and Chelsea.
The biggest question is whether Pochettino can give up his job in the US when receiving a huge income. In addition, Pochettino's ability to conquer the title is also considered when throughout his career at Tottenham and PSG, Pochettino has never been considered a winning master.
The next coach on the list is Oliver Glasner, currently leading Crystal Palace, who is making a strong impression in the Premier League with a balanced, practical but effective football philosophy. He has helped the "Gunners" relieve their 119-year title drought with 1 FA Cup and 1 Community Shield. He previously led Eintracht Frankfurt to the 2022 Europa League championship, proving his mettle in the European arena.
One of Glasner's biggest advantages is that he is proficient in the 3-4-3 formation. This is the formation that Amorim is applying at Man United and the Old Trafford team has bought many new players to follow Amorim's ideas.
At Frankfurt and Palace, Glasner proved his tactical discipline and solid defense, which Man United are lacking. However, he has never worked for a global club like Man United, so the pressure at Old Trafford could be too big a challenge.
The next name is Kieran McKenna, who was an assistant at Man United and is currently leading Ipswich Town. His modern football style, rich organization and ability to improve players has helped him become one of the most promising captains in England. The result was a ticket to play in the Premier League last season, but due to the team's limited potential, they were immediately relegated.
Like Carrick, McKenna is still a rookie whose name is unknown. Jumping into a giant team like Man United could put him under pressure beyond his current experience.
In the short term and safe, Man United's choice of Southgate or Carrick to take charge will keep the dressing room stable and help the club overcome the transition period.
For the long-term and reconstruction plan, M.U can give opportunities to Pochettino or Glasner, who are teachers capable of building a long-term project and developing young players well.
If he wants to create an earthquake in the middle of this season, Zidane could be a worth- proving option for Man United. With the reputation and class of the French coach, there may be a miracle for the team at Old Trafford.
