Manchester United have dismissed manager Ruben Amorim after a dramatic public falling-out with the club's hierarchy, sparking an immediate search for his successor. Former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has quickly been identified as a potential candidate for the role at Old Trafford.
The End of the Amorim Era
Ruben Amorim was sacked on Monday morning, 5 January 2026, just one day after he launched a provocative public challenge to the United board. The 41-year-old Portuguese manager's comments followed a 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United at Old Trafford on Sunday, where he openly questioned the level of control afforded to him behind the scenes.
The club's response was swift and decisive. A statement confirmed Amorim's departure after just 14 months in charge and announced that former player Darren Fletcher would take over as interim boss. The BBC reports that United are initially seeking a caretaker manager to see out the remainder of the season, allowing time to appoint a permanent successor in the summer.
Maresca Enters the Frame
Attention has now turned to who could fill the vacancy in the longer term. Among the names linked is Enzo Maresca, who became available just four days prior to Amorim's sacking after leaving Chelsea following his own reported power struggle.
The Italian, who managed Chelsea from the summer of 2024, had previously spoken highly of Amorim's abilities. Ahead of a match against United in September, which Chelsea lost 2-1 at Old Trafford, Maresca offered his full support to the then-United boss.
"The only thing I can say is that I really appreciate Ruben," Maresca said in his pre-match press conference. "I've watched Ruben's games since he was at Sporting. He's a magnificent manager. Like all managers, when you start a new project sometimes you can struggle a little bit more or a little bit less... I don't have any doubt that he's a fantastic manager."
What Happens Next at Old Trafford?
United's search is now underway in earnest. While Maresca is a contender, he is not alone. Other out-of-work managers linked with the role include Zinedine Zidane, Xavi Hernandez, Michael Carrick, and England's Gareth Southgate. Furthermore, The Telegraph suggests Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner is United's preferred option; the Austrian's contract in south London expires in June.
On the pitch, Darren Fletcher's first task as interim manager is a Premier League trip to face Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night. Depending on the speed of chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, that could be his only match in temporary charge.
Meanwhile, the Premier League table shows both the scale of the task and the potential at United. The club currently sits sixth, level on 31 points with fifth-placed Chelsea, demonstrating that despite a turbulent period, the campaign remains salvageable for the right appointment.
