BREAKING: INEOS Close In on 4-3-3 Specialist as Manchester United Prepare Major Managerial Announcement
Manchester United appear to be moving closer to resolving their latest managerial dilemma, with reports suggesting INEOS are preparing to push forward negotiations with a leading candidate to replace the recently dismissed Ruben Amorim.
An official announcement is now believed to be on the horizon, signaling the next phase of the club’s ongoing rebuild.
Following Amorim’s turbulent spell at Old Trafford, United have once again found themselves at a familiar crossroads.
Despite persistent struggles on the pitch, there was initially a strong sense that the club would remain patient with the Portuguese coach. Amorim was widely viewed as a long-term appointment, and few expected a sudden change.
However, the situation deteriorated rapidly after a breakdown in relations between the 40-year-old manager and United’s Director of Football, Jason Wilcox.
Reports indicate that tensions escalated when Wilcox requested a tactical shift away from Amorim’s preferred system.
The manager allegedly felt undermined and unsupported by the club’s hierarchy, a sentiment that ultimately made his position untenable. From that moment, it became increasingly clear that his departure was only a matter of time.
With Amorim now gone, Manchester United are effectively starting from scratch once again. Darren Fletcher has been placed in temporary charge, giving the club breathing space as they carefully consider their next move.
Crucially, INEOS are said to have established a clear timeline for appointing a new head coach, whether that decision comes before the end of the season or is delayed until the summer.
If United opt to wait until the end of the campaign, several high-profile names could emerge as serious contenders. Among them is Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, whose contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
Unless Palace manage a late turnaround in negotiations, United could be well positioned to make their move.
Glasner has enjoyed remarkable success in south London, potentially cementing his status as the most successful manager in Palace’s history after delivering an FA Cup triumph and European qualification. A step up to Old Trafford may be the next logical chapter in his career.
However, Glasner is far from the only name under consideration. According to reports from Spain, Manchester United are now increasingly confident that talks with Xavi Hernández are set to progress.
The former Barcelona midfielder has been without a club since leaving the Catalan giants in 2024. While he has attracted interest from several teams, Xavi has remained selective, waiting for a project that truly aligns with his philosophy and ambitions. The United job may represent exactly that opportunity.
Although Xavi’s tenure at Barcelona ended amid challenges, his achievements should not be overlooked.
He guided the club to a La Liga title during a period of financial and structural instability, while also placing significant trust in young talents from the academy.
Players such as Lamine Yamal flourished under his guidance, highlighting Xavi’s commitment to youth development.
This stands in contrast to Amorim’s approach, which reportedly limited opportunities for some of United’s brightest prospects, including Kobbie Mainoo.
Should Xavi arrive at Old Trafford, academy graduates could find themselves central to his plans.
Tactically, the shift would be equally significant. Amorim’s reliance on a 3-4-2-1 system divided opinion among supporters and pundits alike.
Xavi, by contrast, is synonymous with a possession-based 4-3-3 formation, a style many fans believe better reflects United’s attacking traditions. His appointment could signal a return to more expansive, entertaining football.
While such a move would undoubtedly be bold, Xavi is no stranger to pressure or chaos.
Having navigated intense scrutiny at Barcelona, he may be well equipped to handle the demands of Manchester United.
If negotiations continue as expected, Old Trafford could soon welcome a new era built around clarity, structure, and attacking ambition.
