Manchester United have reportedly begun preparing contingency plans to replace Rúben Amorim following the team’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Wolves, highlighting mounting concerns over the Portuguese manager’s future at Old Trafford.
The developments have reignited discussions about potential successors as the club navigates a critical stage of the Premier League and cup competitions.
Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has been turbulent. Last season, the Red Devils endured a particularly frustrating campaign, finishing 15th in the Premier League and suffering defeat in the Europa League final. For only the second time in Premier League history, United failed to qualify for European football.
Despite these setbacks, a segment of the fanbase remained supportive, holding out hope that the new season would bring improved performances—especially after the club strengthened its squad in the summer with the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Early Season Struggles
While the summer acquisitions initially generated optimism, the opening months of the 2025–26 season failed to meet expectations.
Manchester United secured just one win in their first five league matches, leaving questions about the team’s preparedness and cohesion.
A particularly low point came in the Carabao Cup, where United were eliminated by Grimsby Town on penalties, further undermining confidence in Amorim’s leadership.
Some improvements were noted with the arrival of goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who helped stabilize the defensive line.
Nevertheless, defensive frailties persisted, exemplified by four goals conceded against Bournemouth and back-to-back two-goal defeats to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur.
A bright spot came on Boxing Day, when United claimed a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United, notably without Bruno Fernandes.
However, any optimism was short-lived, as the subsequent 1-1 draw with Wolves renewed scrutiny of Amorim’s long-term suitability.
Contingency Plans Underway
Reports from Caught Offside suggest that Manchester United are quietly preparing alternative options should Amorim fail to reverse the club’s inconsistent form.
While public statements continue to express support for the manager, the board is reportedly exploring possible replacements behind the scenes, reflecting the pressure of the current campaign.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is considered the leading candidate to take over, often described as a “safe pair of hands.”
Glasner was reportedly close to departing Selhurst Park earlier in the season, though negotiations involving potential signings, such as Brennan Johnson, could affect his availability.
Other potential candidates include former Barcelona manager Xavi and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, both of whom are thought capable of stepping into the demanding role at Old Trafford if required.
Upcoming Matches and Tactical Pressure
The start of 2026 presents several crucial fixtures for United, including league trips to Leeds United and Burnley, an FA Cup clash against Brighton, and high-profile league matches against Manchester City and Arsenal.
Results in these games are likely to be decisive in determining Amorim’s future, with poor outcomes potentially accelerating the club’s pursuit of a replacement.
Amorim’s tactical approach has also come under intense scrutiny. Prior to the Wolves match, he had deployed a back-four system in three consecutive games, yielding relatively solid defensive performances.
However, against Wolves, he reverted to a back-three formation to counter Rob Edwards’ attacking setup—a strategy that ultimately proved ineffective.
The upcoming fixtures and tactical decisions will heavily influence whether United’s hierarchy maintains faith in Amorim or opts for a managerial change.
In summary, Manchester United find themselves at a pivotal moment. While Amorim retains some support publicly, behind the scenes the club is preparing for all scenarios.
The results in the next string of fixtures, coupled with tactical decisions and activity in the January transfer window, will be instrumental in determining whether the Portuguese manager remains in charge or is replaced.
