Manchester United have sacked Ruben Amorim just hours after he insisted he would not walk away from the role. The Portuguese manager was dismissed following a draw with Leeds United, with tensions reportedly high behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
Amorim had told reporters: 'I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach. I know my name is not Tuchel, Conte or Mourinho, but I'm the manager. I'm not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy comes to replace me.' That moment has arrived sooner than expected.
Several candidates have emerged as potential replacements. Darren Fletcher, currently an academy coach, will take charge against Burnley and could stay until the end of the season. Michael Carrick, another former United midfielder, is available after leaving Middlesbrough and has caretaker experience.
Gareth Southgate, the former England boss, is admired by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and sporting director Jason Wilcox, though he has not managed in club football for over 16 years. Enzo Maresca, recently available after leaving Chelsea, is an unlikely option given his Manchester City links, but he has previously coached rather than managed.
Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace are both under contract only until the summer. Iraola has impressed on the south coast, while Glasner led Palace to their first trophy last season. Both offer Premier League experience if United wait until the end of the season.
