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Alarming situation for Amorim as top manager rejects lucrative move, prepared to join United instead – reports

Former Barcelona manager Xavi appears to be eyeing Ruben Amorim’s position at Manchester United.

Amorim continue to oversee unwanted records of new lows at United, winning just nine of his 33 Premier League games since leaving Sporting CP for the Mancunians. 

The Portuguese tactician is also not the most popular figure at Carrington. Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Amorim is described as a “lonely man” internationally and “often walks away from the team” in training.

All signs point to a man on the verge of losing his job, which is starting to attract the attention of high-profile managers.

Xavi wants to replace Amorim at Man United

On Sunday, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Xavi is very keen on taking charge at Old Trafford.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Italian journalist revealed: “Xavi is studying the Premier League. Xavi is monitoring the Premier League and would go immediately to Man United.

“Even without European football, he would go immediately to the Premier League.”

United continue to publicly back Amorim. However, according to Talksport, they are now “casting their net” to see what managers are available, and it seems Xavi is waiting to be approached by the Red Devils.

Xavi turns down Saudi Arabia

Al-Ittihad are looking for Laurent Blanc’s replacement and have been strongly linked with Xavi.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the ex-Barcelona man has ruled out moving to Saudi Arabia. The Spaniard is not keen at all despite his managerial stint in the Middle East with Qatari side Al Sadd.  

The Catalan outlet add that Xavi is looking for a top-level club.

The 45-year-old has been without a job since leaving Barcelona in May 2024, having overseen a promising rebuild. He also led the Blaugrana to a La Liga title in 2023.


Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!

United identify La Liga talent as Casemiro replacement; learn how much they’ll need to pay to sign him in January – report

Manchester United appear to be targeting Conor Gallagher as their ideal replacement for central midfielder Casemiro.

While the club was linked with Gallagher in the summer transfer window, The Peoples Person relayed that Man United rejected the opportunity to sign him as they felt that there were already enough versatile options at their disposal this season.

Although United may have believed that there was no need to approach the Atletico Madrid midfielder during the summer, the club may need to reverse this belief given Casemiro’s potential departure.

New midfielder needed

It was reported that United star Casemiro faces an uncertain future beyond the current season, particularly as he receives interest in the Middle East.

While it is believed that United want to hold onto him for the time being, the 32 year old could be running out of time at the summit of European football, given his age.

Adding further complication to the issue is the belief that United would not want to part ways with the Brazilian until a replacement has been identified, meaning that the need for a player like Gallagher could be on the rise.

Given Gallagher’s reported interest in returning to the Premier League should Atletico decide to offload him, it seems that a move to United is already being teed up.

A transfer is in the works

Previously, it was reported that Atletico could be open to parting with Gallagher as soon as January.

Now, it seems that one such move could indeed happen.

The Express reported that United are indeed plotting a move for Gallagher.

“Baleba of Brighton has been on the Red Devils’ radar over the past year, but a hefty price tag of approximately £110million has deterred them,” the report claimed. “The United hierarchy are now exploring alternative options, viewing Gallagher as an ideal successor for Casemiro, who is anticipated to depart Old Trafford next summer.”

“After making 50 appearances in his first season with the Spanish giants, he has only started two matches this season. Atletico manager Diego Simeone remains unconvinced about Gallagher’s value to his squad and may be open to selling him,” the article continued.

“It is believed that Atletico’s president, Enrique Cerezo, values Gallagher at around £50m. If made available, the 25-year-old would draw attention from several English clubs, including United.”

While a £50m price tag is certainly not cheap, United would surely need to start exploring their options given their ongoing midfield struggles, particularly as they prepare for a future which could exclude the likes of Casemiro.

Feature image George Wood via Getty Images


Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.

Match preview: United v Sunderland

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Match preview: United v Sunderland

Monday 29 September 2025 13:26

Manchester United host Sunderland in a Premier League meeting on Saturday.

Ruben Amorim’s team will be looking to bounce back from a difficult afternoon on the road against Brentford last time out.

This game will be the first time we’ve faced the Black Cats since 2017, following their promotion from the Championship last season.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming fixture…

HOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOW

This game will not be available to watch live in the UK due to regulations that prevent 15:00 BST kick-offs being broadcast.

Despite that, we still have plenty of ways for you to keep up with the action if you’re not at Old Trafford on Saturday, with our regular Matchday Live show starting at 13:55 BST, bringing you all the exclusive pre-match build-up, half-time analysis and post-match reaction you need.

We’ll also have live radio commentary on MUTV throughout both halves, with live updates, interactive content and much more available via the United App and on ManUtd.com.

TEAM NEWS

United will be without Noussair Mazraoui, who is not expected back before the international break, and Lisandro Martinez, who is still under going rehabilitation for the knee injury he suffered earlier this year.

Casemiro will be available for selection again after serving his one-match suspension at the weekend, following the two yellow cards he picked up in our win against Chelsea.

Amorim may provide further information in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunderland’s visit, which could include an update on ex-Sunderland loanee Amad, who has been given some time away from football following a family bereavement.

The Black Cats will be without Habib Diarra, Leo Hjelde, Romaine Mundle and Dennis Cirkin through injury, and will be unable to select Reinildo after he received a straight red card in their meeting with Aston Villa.

Ajibola Alese is nearing a return, having been out since January this year, and defender Luke O’Nien was back on the bench at Nottingham Forest, after being injured in the play-off final against Sheffield United.

Boss Regis Le Bris may provide a clearer update on any other availability concerns, in his media duties before the match.

FORM GUIDE

United head into this game in 14th place, following our 3-1 loss to Brentford last weekend.

We’ll be looking to put our third win on the board on Saturday, to add to victories against Chelsea and Burnley, after a tough start to our campaign.

Rather surprisingly, given the fate of promoted sides over the past few seasons, Sunderland have kicked off their season well, striding towards the top of the table with just one loss in their first six outings.

That defeat came against Burnley, whom the Reds defeated at Old Trafford towards the end of August, so Amorim will have all eyes on ending their positive streak.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Sunderland dropped as far as League One following their demotion from the top tier in the 2016/17 season, but have managed to climb back to the Premier League with a dramatic last-gasp win against Sheffield United at Wembley last season.

Our last encounters with the Black Cats came in that season, with the home fixture, on Boxing Day in 2016, providing a 3-1 win with goals from Daley Blind, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The latter pair were on the scoresheet again when we travelled to the Stadium of Light later in that campaign, with Marcus Rashford getting in on the act to provide a 3-0 victory away from home.

Both teams have, of course, undergone significant changes since those meetings, but the Reds will hope to pick up where we left off, just over eight years ago.

Cunha: We need to do more Video

Cunha: We need to do more

Matheus Cunha says United need to have “big character” and focus on improvement after a tough defeat at Brentford…

RIVALS WATCH

There’s plenty of other Premier League action around the grounds this weekend, alongside our clash with Sunderland. Here are the rest of the fixtures, before another international break kicks in:

FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER

Bournemouth v Fulham (20:00 BST)

SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER

Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur (12:30 BST)
Arsenal v West Ham United
UNITED v Sunderland
Chelsea v Liverpool (17:30 BST)

SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER

Aston Villa v Burnley (14:00 BST)
Everton v Crystal Palace (14:00 BST)
Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest (14:00 BST)
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Brighton & Hove Albion (14:00 BST)
Brentford v Manchester City (16:30 BST)

All kick-off times 15:00 BST unless otherwise stated.

Recommended:

  • Ruben’s post-Brentford press conference Video

    Ruben’s post-Brentford press conference

    Press conference | Ruben Amorim discusses the potential red card for Nathan Collins and explains how we can improve…

  • Matchday Review: Brentford v United Video

    Matchday Review: Brentford v United

    Matchday Review | Wes Brown and Danny Simpson run the rule over the main moments from United’s loss to Brentford…

Monday 29 September 2025 13:26

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‘Absolutely…’: Harry Kane addresses prospect of Premier League return amid Man Utd, Spurs interest

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Harry Kane has been put on the spot regarding his future with Bayern Munich amid growing speculation he might opt to return to England.

The world-class frontman has enjoyed a prolific two years in Germany after severing his 19-year ties with Tottenham Hotspur to make the move in 2023.

In doing so, Kane put an end to the prospect of him overtaking Alan Shearer to become the Premier League’s all-time highest goalscorer. At the time of his exit, he sat on 213 goals, with the former Newcastle United hero atop the rankings on 260. 

Had the Three Lions skipper stayed put, you can put your money on the fact he’d have broken the record sooner rather than later. Even in his last season at Spurs, he recorded a 30-goal campaign in his 38 appearances.

Why Harry Kane has been linked with a return to England 

Kane last played at Old Trafford in a Champions League clash in December 2023. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Alas, reports have suggested that a desire to clinch such a prestigious honour has been quietly spurring Kane to cut ties with Bayern and return to home soil.

A clause in his contract would make such a deal considerably easier to negotiate, too, as he has a £52 million buyout option that can be activated as early as January 2026.

In the event he pushed for a Premier League switch, both his former club and Manchester United are said to be among his top admirers, with the latter holding a longstanding interest in the unstoppable No.9.

Kane looks to end speculation over his future

However, much to the Old Trafford faithful’s dismay, he has spoken out to squash such rumours.

After reaching 100 goals for the Bavarian giants last Friday evening, the 32-year-old said: “No, I’m not thinking about a Premier League return at the moment. I’m really happy here.

“I have two years left on my contract. I’m enjoying every moment. Bayern is the best place to win trophies, absolutely.”

Kane won the Bundesliga title in 2024/2025 to mark his first-ever major trophy, followed by the German Super Cup in August.

Thriving Premier League manager put on spot regarding Man United job, he can’t rule it out

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Whilst Ruben Amorim faces the monumental task of turning Manchester United’s fortunes around, numerous coaches will continue to be tipped to replace him.

One being Oliver Glasner, who’s enjoying a stellar spell at the helm of Crystal Palace following his appointment in February 2024.

Why INEOS might deem Oliver Glasner a suitable candidate

Ruben Amorim and Oliver Glasner walk down the touchline at half time.
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The Austrian coach has granted the Selhurst Park faithful with memories to last a lifetime over the last year, most notably delivering Palace their first-ever major honour in the form of the FA Cup last season.

They overturned Manchester City 1-0 in the final at Wembley, in turn confirming Pep Guardiola’s first trophyless season since his maiden campaign at City in 2017.

Then, in August, Palace pipped Premier League champions Liverpool to glory in the Community Shield, overseeing a 2-2 draw before reigning victorious in the penalty shootout.

Fast-forward to now, and Palace’s 2-1 league win over Liverpool on Saturday extended their unbeaten streak to a remarkable 18 games in all competitions, making it no surprise that Glasner is being touted as one option to take the reins from Amorim at Old Trafford.

What has Glasner said about a new venture?

He was pressed on the prospect, too, with Kicker asking him: “There are a lot of rumours circulating about you again. From Manchester United in the short term to all sorts of top clubs after 2026. Are these reports annoying or amusing you, and can you reveal when you and Palace plan to discuss your future again?”

Glasner replied: “I follow all the rumours – and that’s all there is – neutrally and completely relaxed. Focusing on the daily work with my players and coaches, and trying to enjoy it as much as possible.”

Understandably, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss chose to remain tight-lipped on the matter, although the fact that he avoided commenting on a potential contract renewal may raise the eyebrows of Palace fans.

He is contracted to the South London outfit until the end of the term, with reports suggesting the board are doing their utmost to extend his deal beyond the summer of 2026.

‘Ridiculous’: Shearer fumes on behalf of Man United fans after ‘terrible’ thing he saw vs Brentford

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Alan Shearer has hit out at the match officials who opted against showing Nathan Collins a red card on Saturday afternoon.

Amidst Manchester United’s dismal showing at the Gtech Community Stadium, they were on the receiving end of a hugely controversial VAR decision.

When chasing an equaliser in the closing stages of the clash, Bryan Mbeumo was pulled back in the area by former teammate Collins when through on goal for what would’ve essentially been a tap-in.

Craig Pawson subsequently blew his whistle and awarded the visitors a spot-kick before showing the Brentford defender a yellow card.

Brentford should’ve been down to 10 men for last 15 minutes vs United 

There was then, unsurprisingly, a lengthy VAR check to determine whether Mbeumo was onside for the chance.

After coming to the conclusion that he was, they checked whether Collins should actually be sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

The entire process took four-and-a-half minutes in total. When it was over, Keith Andrews bizarrely made two changes to his on-field personnel, delaying Bruno Fernandes even further.

United’s skipper went on to miss his penalty for the second time this season, with Caoimhin Kelleher equal to his tame effort. The Reds failed to secure a leveller in the dying embers, but Brentford did add a goal in injury time to extend their lead to 3-1, rubbing even more salt in Ruben Amorim’s wounds.

Whilst it wouldn’t have changed the fact that United’s showing was simply dire, fans – and even neutrals – have rued the sheer ludicrousness of Collins being allowed to play on and see out the game.

When reacting post-match, Amorim explained that he had been informed the reasoning behind VAR’s conclusion was that Mbeumo hadn’t controlled the ball at the time he was fouled.

Shearer in disbelief over Collins decision

Bryan Mbeumo is pulled back by Nathan Collins in the box.
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Shearer has also lamented the decision twice already. He said on Match of the Day: “They (United) should [be aggrieved]. Yes, they got the penalty but what they didn’t get, the officials, it should have been a red card as well.

“They get it right in terms of the referee’s call: he gives the penalty for the pull-back. But what they didn’t get right was the yellow card check for Collins.

“They deemed that Mbeumo wasn’t in control of the ball, I mean honestly, it’s just a terrible decision. He can’t be in control of the ball because someone is pulling him back, he’s a yard from the ball, clearly.

“Yes, [Fernandes] had to wait four-and-a-half minutes before getting to that decision but that’s a mistake from him. [Collins] should have been sent off – absolutely no doubt about it.”

Further, he told The Rest Is Football panel:  “I’m pretty certain, you will probably, no you will see Howard Webb coming out to say, ‘That’s another one we got wrong.’

“There’s no way he’s going for the ball. He clearly pulls him back, Mbeumo would’ve put it in the back of the net – it’s a ridiculous decision, it’s clearly a massive error by the referee and the VAR again.”

‘I saw something…’: Neville divulges Amorim decision that left him looking ‘pretty stupid’, it was ‘unforgivable’

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Gary Neville has voiced his growing concerns over the state of Manchester United this season.

How many times have you read that sentence over the last decade?

Saturday’s dismal display at the Gtech Community Stadium has left Ruben Amorim with a record of 34 points from 33 games since taking the reins of the club last November.

United have suffered a whopping 17 Premier League defeats under the coach, three of which have come in the opening six fixtures of 2025/2026.

As a result, the Reds rounded off the weekend in 15th place on just seven points with a goal difference of minus four.

What’s in store for Amorim next? 

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

It’s not as if things get any easier for Amorim from this point onwards, either.

United host newly-promoted Sunderland this Saturday afternoon in a 3pm kick-off, with the Black Cats sitting fifth-placed heading into the clash following a stellar run of results upon their return to the top flight.

Then, after the international break, Amorim’s men will travel to the ground they’ve struggled at more than any other for the last 10 years: Anfield.

Prior to their late, injury-time defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday, Liverpool had won seven successive games in all competitions, and remain atop the league table despite claiming no points last time out.

 Neville ‘really worried’ about calamitous United

Reacting to United’s 3-1 loss to Brentford, Neville pulled no punches in his assessment of Amorim.

He told NBC at full-time: “I am very worried, there is no point in me sitting here and saying I’m not.

“The levels of performance, the results and the substitutions yesterday. I saw something at the end of the Grimsby game that they lost in the Carabao Cup a couple of weeks ago, which was Mason Mount ending up at left wing-back.

“We admire managers who are stubborn and resilient around their system, we want them to stick to their plan, but when you have Mason Mount playing at left-back, you are going to look pretty stupid.

“It has happened twice now and it can’t happen. The first time I thought it was unforgivable and yesterday it happened again.”

“He changes his back three and his back five every single game, and the performances and the results are just unacceptable,” Neville continued.

“I’m really, really worried. I would never go on television, as I know how difficult a manager’s job can be, and say a manager should be sacked, but I suspect the hierarchy at Manchester United are going to want to see a turnaround.”

La Liga-winning manager ‘would go immediately’ to Man United, says Romano – even without European football

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Xavi Hernandez would reportedly jump at the opportunity of managing Manchester United if INEOS came calling.

Should the co-owners deem him an ideal candidate to perhaps succeed Ruben Amorim, they might want to act sooner rather than later, as the former midfield legend is being considered for the Al-Ittihad vacancy.

Ruben Amorim: The state of play

Speculation surrounding Amorim’s future has grown rife over the last few days once again; he gained some respite from the post-Manchester derby fury when the Reds overturned Chelsea at Old Trafford last weekend. However, a dismal display away to Brentford, which culminated in a 3-1 loss, has catapulted the under-pressure coach back into the firing line.

Anything other than a win against newly-promoted Sunderland, who’ve enjoyed a stellar start to their return to the top division, on Saturday would leave him with plenty to answer for – especially after being granted £216 million in summer signings to completely revamp his frontline and replace Andre Onana.

Xavi would ‘immediately’ join United

Xavi holds a press conference.
(Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Xavi, meanwhile, has yet to return to the dugout since being relieved of his duties by Barcelona chiefs in May 2024.

The Spaniard won the La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup during his two-and-a-half-year tenure. Prior to the Blaugrana, he began his coaching career with Qatari outfit Al Sadd.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Xavi has been ‘studying’ the English top flight, seemingly hoping he can soon test his resolve in Europe’s most competitive league.

“I also get many questions on Xavi and Manchester United,” Romano explained on YouTube yesterday. “Xavi is studying the Premier League and monitoring it, and Xavi would go immediately Man United even without European football.

“He would go immediately to the EPL, he would love a Premier League opportunity. But at the moment, again, nothing at all (in the links between Xavi and United).”

Romano confirms what United are now thinking about hiring Gareth Southgate amid ‘very good relationship’ with INEOS

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Much to the majority of Manchester United fans’ dismay, Gareth Southgate is again being linked with the head coach job at Old Trafford.

The former England boss has come up in conversations regarding United on numerous occasions in recent years, but particularly since INEOS became co-owners of the club back in February 2024.

Is the writing on the wall for Ruben Amorim?

The 3-1 loss aganst Brentford marked Amorim’s 17th Premier League defeat. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

When Erik ten Hag was relieved of his duties last October, the key decision-makers singled out Ruben Amorim as their first choice to succeed the Dutchman. They went as far as buying him out of his contract with Sporting Lisbon to bring him to Manchester almost midway through the 2024/2025 term.

Little did they know that less than a year later, the Portuguese coach would’ve returned a calamitous 34 points in 33 matches. United’s form is on par with teams who’d be on course to get relegated come spring next year; the side has sustained three defeats in the opening six Premier League matches thus far.

As things stand, it’s thought Amorim retains the backing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS hierarchy, although you can only assume their faith will continue to dwindle the more they see performances akin to Saturday’s at the Gtech Community Stadium.

INEOS’ current stance on Southgate

Amid speculation that Southgate would be brought in to try and turn things around in M16, Fabrizio Romano has weighed in on whether he believes the Englishman is a plausible candidate.

Gareth Southgate has always been in the rumours. If you remember even in summer 2024, when Manchester United decided to keep Erik ten Hag, and before they appointed Erik ten Hag, they had some candidates. Among these candidates was Roberto De Zerbi, who has always been very much appreciated by people at Manchester United before they decided to continue with Ten Hag.

“Another name was Gareth Southgate. Why Gareth Southgate? Because he has a very good relationship with people close to Ineos and with influential people in Ineos, and because he’s well known by those people, this is why the link is always around.

“There are still no active talks or conversations for Southgate to become the new Manchester United manager, but if we have these stories, it’s because of the good relationship with Ineos,” said Romano.

Ratcliffe makes decision on Amorim’s future as Man Utd line up three replacements

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Ruben Amorim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly rendered his decision regarding the future of Ruben Amorim at the club.

The manager is supposedly walking on thin ice, especially following Saturday’s abysmal performance against Brentford.

The West Londoners emerged victorious by three goals to one, thus handing the Red Devils their third defeat of the Premier League campaign just six rounds into the campaign. Moreover, Amorim had seen his side suffer a humiliating elimination from the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two side, Grimsby Town.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe decides to back Ruben Amorim

While the 40-year-old remains certain he’s the right man to restore the club’s elite status, he knows fully well that the axe is hanging over his head.

Nevertheless, the Daily Mail journalist Chris Wheeler reveals that Ratcliffe has once again decided to back the under-fire tactician.

Ruben Amorim on the touchline
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

As the source explains, the British billionaire and his INEOS associates feel that Amorim deserves more time to find the right combination after adding four new players to his squad. Therefore, the manager’s job remains safe, at least until next Saturday’s Premier League contest against Sunderland.

Man United considering three possible Amorim replacements

For his part, The Sun journalist Samuel Luckhurst confirms the news reported by his colleague regarding Man Utd’s decision to support Amorim.

That being said, the United insider claims that the management is already reflecting on their options if  they were to sack the 40-year-old, with three names emerging as the early favourites.

The first is Oliver Glasner who won the FA Cup and the Community Shield with Crystal Palace this year. The Austrian had also lifted the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022

The second is young Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler. The 32-year-old German has been in charge of the Seagulls since 2024.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola completes the list. The 43-year-old Spaniard has been at the helm since the summer of 2023, but his contract with the Cherries will expire at the end of the season.