Manchester United’s shock defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town on Wednesday summed up the pressure now facing Ruben Amorim. The image of the Portuguese coach flicking through his tactics book in the Blundell Park dugout as the rain poured told its own story.
Despite over £200 million spent on attacking reinforcements, Amorim’s side remains winless this season. With a win rate of just 23.5% since taking charge, questions are mounting over whether United should already be considering a change. Although anyone who takes the Old Trafford hot seat would be brave, given Manchester United’s recent struggles.
The club now faces a pivotal decision: persist with the project or pivot to a new direction. Here are five potential alternatives to Ruben Amorim
Michael Carrick
An ex-player and coach at United, Carrick has even been caretaker manager at the club twice and could be exactly what his former side needs. As a Fergie–era player, Michael Carrick would hope to return the no-nonsense culture to the club, which has been left lacking thanks to the many transfer blunders of the recent past, e.g. Onana, Anthony, Sancho..
Carrick’s coaching CV includes a spell as Middlesbrough boss in the Championship, where he helped guide the club from 21st to the Play-off semi-finals in his first season, winning 16 of his first 23 matches.
However, any progress at Middlesbrough stalled and, despite being linked to multiple high-profile jobs in the past, he only managed 8th and 10th-place finishes with Boro before being sacked in June 2025.
Carrick’s strengths lie in youth development, man-management, and understanding United’s culture. But his lack of top-flight experience and tactical adaptability at the highest level remain concerns.
Appointing him would be a gamble on potential rather than pedigree.
Zinedine Zidane
He remains one of the most decorated managers available, with three Champions League titles to his name from his two spells at Real Madrid. Zidane’s ability to manage high-profile dressing rooms, adapt tactically, and deliver on the grandest stages is well known, but taking over at Manchester United would be his biggest challenge yet.
In Madrid, he took over the club twice when they looked to be spiralling, but Real Madrid and Manchester United have never been so different from one another. The well-known dressing room issues could be too much for Zizou to handle, although his tactics could be exactly what the Red Devils need to get firing again.
Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender, and Zidane’s former France teammate, Emmanuel Petit, told the Manchester Evening News that the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner is sceptical of taking over the role at Old Trafford:
“I’m not sure that he speaks very good English as well. And communication is very important in the dressing room… At the moment, when you look at the team, I’m not convinced at all about the level of some players. If he takes the job at Manchester United, that means he’s got solutions”
Although he’s yet to take on a challenge in the Premier League and has previously shown a preference for roles in France or Spain, United’s global stature and competitive pull could prove persuasive for the Frenchman.
Xavi
Another out-of-work former midfielder who has proven ability in turning around a struggling footballing giant.
When he took the reins at the Camp Nou in November 2022, he reinvigorated a fractured Barcelona with a clear tactical identity, blending high pressing and youth integration.
Xavi utilised Barcelona’s famous La Masia youth academy to give young stars like Pau Cubarsi, Marc Casado and even Lamine Yamal their debuts, helping to restore the club to glory by winning the 2022/23 La Liga. Despite a strong win rate of 63% across 141 games, Xavi was replaced by Hansi Flick after a disappointing title defence.
If United were to turn to Xavi, they’d be investing in a youth-focused approach, which would prioritise academy players, which may be exactly what United need to refresh after an era of egos.
However, Xavi would still need to adapt his philosophy to the unique demands and pace of English football, as well as balancing the demands of one of England’s biggest clubs and their current stars.
Sir Gareth Southgate
The former England manager has established himself as a steady and respected leader, guiding the national team to a World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals.
His pragmatic tactical style, focus on squad harmony, and strong track record with player development have won him admirers. He could be exactly what United need to repair the toxic dressing room atmosphere.
However, stepping back into club football, especially at a club of United’s size, would be a major transition, but Sir Gareth’s leadership and composure could prove invaluable in steadying the ship.
But critics argue his tactical conservatism and lack of club-level success may not align with United’s ambitions.
The ex-Middlesbrough manager has previously been linked extensively with the United job after Erik Ten Hag’s sacking, but has yet to return to management since stepping away from the England job. He has instead chosen to stay busy with guest lecturing and writing a book on leadership.
However, speaking to PA media in the summer, he said, “You can’t say never to anything because 15 years ago I left Middlesbrough and I wasn’t certain I would manage then”
“Then I ended up on a strange path into managing the national team. But it’s not something I’m actively looking at the moment.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Another name that has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting coaches in world football.
De Zerbi’s Brighton side played bold, progressive football built on possession and high pressing, and he has demonstrated an impressive ability to elevate players, making his teams a tough opponent for any side. His tactical acumen even earned praise from Pep Guardiola and saw Brighton qualify for Europe.
His move from the UK South coast to Marseille represented a clear show of his ambition to join a bigger club, and he has impressed in the south of France. He’s managed to get Manchester United outcast Mason Greenwood firing in Ligue 1 and even restored the club to the Champions League.
He has also shown boldness when it comes to dealing with controversy in the dressing room. The Italian made the bold move to transfer-list both Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe following their backroom fight after a 1-0 loss to Rennes.
Talking about the decision, De Zerbi said, “The club comes first. In recent history, Marseille has been in the spotlight because of a lack of order and a lack of ethics within the club. So we were forced to make this decision, which was fair and temporary at first. It was the right thing for the club to do.”
De Zerbi’s boldness, clarity, and tactical innovation make him a standout candidate. He’s expressed a desire to return to the Premier League, and his no-nonsense approach could be the cultural reset United desperately need.