INEOS identify “elite” tactician as Amorim’s replacement, secret meetings already taking place at Old Trafford – report

Manchester United continue to publicly back Ruben Amorim as head coach — but an explosive new report reveals INEOS have begun secret plans to source his successor, with a Premier League manager atop their list. Reverting to Type The Red Devils produced one of the worst displays of a frustrating campaign last night as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Black Country side are stranded at the bottom of the table, with only two points and zero wins before the trip to Manchester. But, despite being destined for relegation, Wolves outplayed their opponents for large parts of a poor match and, if not for the quick reflexes of Senne Lammens, could have left Old Trafford with three points. From United’s perspective, it was yet another chance squandered to climb into the Champions League places. But it was the performance, and Amorim’s hand in it, which was even more alarming than the result. Despite emerging triumphant from a tricky Boxing Day clash against Newcastle after switching to a back four, the Portuguese coach reverted back to his 3-4-2-1 system yesterday. Predictably, players who had shone against the Magpies in new positions looked a shadow of themselves against Wolves when redeployed elsewhere. Amorim’s changes in-game were also baffling with Gary Neville stating that each substitution made United “weaker”. There are mitigating circumstances with the number of key players absent, either through injury or international duty. But it felt like the team were playing against their head coach as much as the opposition at times last night. Pressure Ramps Up INEOS have remained steadfast in their support of Amorim, despite the intense struggles he has experienced since arriving from Sporting CP in November 2024. United are improved from his dismal debut campaign, with the ownership pointing to the team’s underlying metrics as evidence of this. Being better than terrible does not equate to being good, however. With no European football to contend with, and having already been dumped out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle by League Two Grimsby Town, Amorim cannot afford to be struggling in the league — and last night was a struggle for even the neutral to watch. Caught Offside reveals INEOS are establishing plans to sound out replacements for Amorim, should results — and more importantly, performances — not improve rapidly. “Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that the Red Devils have begun working on plans to possibly replace Amorim at Old Trafford,” the report details. “While the club publicly maintains that Amorim remains their man, sources suggest that contingency plans are quietly being explored behind the scenes. Among the names being discussed internally is Oliver Glasner, whose recent success and Premier League experience at Crystal Palace make him an appealing ‘safe pair of hands.’” The Austrian has performed miracles, on a shoestring budget while losing his best players, since arriving at Selhurst Park in 2024. Under Glasner‘s watch, Palace have won the FA Cup and Community Shield — beating Manchester City and Liverpool in the process — while qualifying for Europe for the first time in the club’s history. The 51-year-old coach, who previously won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, is an adaptable tactician, standing him in direct contrast to his colleague at Old Trafford. Ironically, Glasner employs a similar 3-4-2-1 structure to Amorim — but he does so precisely because of the players at his disposal, rather than in spite of them, as United’s head coach does. Glasner has previously described a 4-4-2 as his favoured system, though he has employed a variety of  formations throughout his career. And it’s this versatility which is likely to be driving United’s admiration — as well as his contract situation in south London. Glasner’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season. There is little expectation he will renew, with the Eagles already sounding out replacements. Inside sources suggest the Austrian has one, if not two, eyes on the Theatre of Dreams. And it now appears this interest is mutual, with United’s rulers drawing up contingency plans should Old Trafford need a new “safe pair of hands”. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.