United identify “outstanding ” 51-yo tactician as Amorim’s heir, but INEOS’ plan will leave fans baffled – report

Manchester United have identified Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner as a “top canditate” to replace Ruben Amorim – but INEOS’s succession plan will leave fans perplexed, according to a new report. End of a Dismal Era The Red Devils confirmed Amorim has been dismissed as head coach after David Ornstein (The Athletic) broke the bombshell this morning. Tensions had been building between the Portuguese and the club’s executive structure behind the scenes over the past month – with a lack of investment in the January transfer window believed to be a fracture point. The breakdown in relationship was then laid bare in an explosive post-match interview following the 1-1 draw with Leeds United. Amorim repeatedly made reference to his role as “manager”, rather than coach, indicating an unhappiness with the level of control he was being afforded at Old Trafford. He then took aim at his colleagues, including the recruitment department and sporting director Jason Wilcox, telling them to “do their jobs” so he could do his. It was a bombastic outburst; the type which only ends with one conclusion for a manager – or head coach – with more losses than wins since arriving from Sporting CP in November 2024. Amorim departs the Theatre of Dreams with a nightmare record to his name, including a dismal defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. Out of 47 matches, the 40-year-old mustered just 15 victories, alongside 13 draws and 19 defeats. At any other major club in Europe, he would have been sacked but for the questionable patience afforded to him by INEOS. It was natural, therefore, that the moment he publicly turned on his superiors, a swift order for dismissal came down from on high. Top Target to Take Over Darren Fletcher – current manager of the Under-18’s team – will take over the senior side against Burnley on Wednesday night. But the 41-year-old Scot has been appointed on an interim basis, and it is not confirmed how long the club envisions him fulfilling this role. United are currently sixth in the Premier League, only three points off fourth, with an FA Cup third round clash against Brighton & Hove Albion on the weekend to contend with. The idea of Fletcher – a rookie coach, with no experience at the top level – leading the team with so much left to compete for may perplex fans. But The Independent reveals the club are “currently lean[ing] towards a summer appointment of a permanent coach,” suggesting this is the most likely scenario. The report states INEOS have identified Glasner as a “top candidate” to succeed Amorim in the long run, with the Austrian’s contract with Palace expiring at the end of the season. Glasner has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most impressive managers at Selhurst Park, leading the Eagles to European football for the first time in the club’s history, as well as back-to-back triumphs in the FA Cup and Community Shield. The Independent notes there are “some stylistic questions” over how Glasner’s philosophy with Palace – predicated, ironically, on a defensive 3-4-2-1 system – would translate to Old Trafford, given the issues Amorim experienced with same approach. But the 51-year-old coach is as adaptable as he is effective, and it was precisely because of the players at his disposal that he decided to line Palace up with three at the back, in contrast to Amorim, who belligerently imposed the system in spite of United’s squad. Glasner is believed to “prefer to see the season out” at Selhurst Park before plotting his next move, however. And this choice may be influencing United’s own decision to bide their time until the summer before making a move for the impressive tactician. Featured image Clive Mason 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.