Next Manchester United Manager Odds: Solskjaer Leads Race to Replace Sacked Amorim

Manchester United are once again searching for a permanent leader after Ruben Amorim was dismissed following a tumultuous 14-month tenure. With club legend Darren Fletcher currently holding the fort, betting sites have slashed odds on a sensational return for a familiar face.

Last updated: 7 January 2026 by Leon Marshall

With betting sites reacting rapidly to the vacancy at Old Trafford, the market has seen a dramatic shift. Ruben Amorim’s reign ended abruptly on Monday morning following a meeting with CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox, triggered by a breakdown in relations and a disappointing 1-1 draw at Leeds.

The Portuguese coach’s departure comes after a period described as “untenable” by the United hierarchy. Reports suggest a refusal to evolve his rigid 3-4-3 system and perceived “emotional and inconsistent behaviour” led to a loss of confidence within the dressing room and the boardroom alike. Amorim, who felt “micro-managed” during his stay, leaves with a win rate that ranks among the lowest of the post-Ferguson era.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (4/6) – The Emotional Return

The “Baby-Faced Assassin” has emerged as the heavy odds-on favourite for a sensational second act at Old Trafford. Having stabilised the club between 2018 and 2021, Solskjaer remains a beloved figure among the match-going fans and is reportedly open to a short-term return to navigate the current crisis.

Pros:

• Solskjaer understands the club’s DNA better than most and has a proven track record of lifting a toxic atmosphere, as seen after Jose Mourinho’s exit.
• His win percentage remains superior to many of his successors, and his ability to manage big egos without public friction would be a welcome change for the INEOS leadership.

Cons:

• Critics argue that a return for Solskjaer would be a step backward, highlighting the tactical shortcomings that led to his 2021 dismissal.
• There are fears that his appointment would be a sentimental “sticking plaster” rather than a forward-thinking tactical evolution.

Oliver Glasner (3/1) – The Tactical Moderniser

Currently the manager of Crystal Palace, Oliver Glasner has seen his stock rise significantly after guiding the Eagles to a historic FA Cup triumph in 2025. He is widely regarded as a top target, though prying him away from Selhurst Park mid-season remains a challenge.

Pros:

• Glasner offers a sophisticated, high-pressing style that is more flexible than the dogma seen under Amorim.
• He has proven he can win trophies with limited resources and has successfully adapted to the rigours of the Premier League.

Cons:

• While flexible, Glasner still favours a three-at-the-back system, which some at United fear could lead to the same player-profiling issues that dogged Amorim.
• He has also never managed a club of United’s global scale, where the “political and difficult” nature of the job is exponentially higher.

Darren Fletcher (5/1) – The Safe Pair of Hands

Currently the interim manager, Fletcher has been parachuted from his coaching role to lead the first team. While he has claimed the job was not in his “wildest dreams,” the board may look to the Scot if a permanent appointment cannot be secured immediately. On a personal level, I’d be worried about appointing him as it could affect the development of his two sons who have broken into the first team recently.

Pros:

• Fletcher is already embedded within the Carrington infrastructure and has a strong relationship with the INEOS hierarchy.
• He provides immediate stability and “zero-friction” continuity while the club vets long-term options.

Cons:

• He lacks any formal senior head coaching experience, making a permanent appointment a massive gamble.
• There is a risk that he could be seen as a “placeholder” by the players.

Michael Carrick (6/1) – The Tactical Protégé

Carrick has long been admired for his calm, calculated approach to management. Since leaving United’s coaching staff, he transformed Middlesbrough’s fortunes, though he has been out of work since the summer of 2025.

Pros:

• Carrick is a “manager’s manager,” highly respected for his tactical intelligence and composure.
• His brief stint as United caretaker in 2021 yielded impressive results against elite opposition.

Cons:

• His recent regression at Middlesbrough, which saw him leave after a 10th-place finish, has cooled some of the initial hype.
• Doubts remain over whether he possesses the “ruthless” edge required to overhaul a struggling squad.

Gareth Southgate (10/1) – The Culture Builder

The former England boss remains a prominent name in the conversation due to his ties with key figures in the United hierarchy. After leaving the national team following Euro 2024, he has been waiting for the right club opportunity.

Pros:

• Southgate is an expert at fixing a broken institutional culture.
• His ability to manage the media, handle extreme pressure, and integrate young talents makes him a high-floor candidate for stabilisation.

Cons:

• His lack of club management experience over the last 15 years is a major red flag for fans.
• Perceived as a conservative tactician, his appointment would likely face immediate pushback from a fanbase desperate for “front-foot” football.

Enzo Maresca (16/1) – The Tactical Dogmatist

Following his shock departure from Chelsea, Maresca has entered the frame as a “wildcard” option. His style is heavily influenced by Pep Guardiola, emphasising total control and positional play.

Pros:

• Maresca is a pure tactician who achieved immediate results at Chelsea, securing Champions League qualification.
• He offers a clear, modern identity that would represent a total departure from the Amorim era.

Cons:

• Like Amorim, Maresca is known to be “combustible” when dealing with club hierarchies.
• His dogmatic adherence to his system could lead to the same “shoehorning” of players that United are currently trying to move away from.

Other Names in the Frame

While the top six candidates are the current focus of the market, several high-profile European coaches are being monitored.

What’s Next for Manchester United?

The dismissal of Ruben Amorim marks another “Year Zero” for a club that has become synonymous with upheaval. The board’s next move is critical: do they return to the comfort of the past with Solskjaer or Carrick, or do they push forward with a proven Premier League operator like Glasner? Darren Fletcher’s performance in the dugout may dictate the speed of the search. If he can steady the ship, the hierarchy may opt for a considered appointment in the summer.

However, with the Champions League places slipping further away, the pressure to act now is immense. One thing is certain: whoever takes the “impossible job” next will need to do more than just coach; they will need to survive the most intense political and sporting environment in world football.