Manchester United supporters have been starved of huge success for over a decade now, with no manager able to win the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Countless managers have tried and failed to replicate such feats, with Ruben Amorim the latest to try and end the decade-long drought for league glory.
However, it’s safe to say the 40-year-old has failed miserably at the task, as seen by his record of nine defeats in his last 15 top-flight matches in charge of the Red Devils.
The former Sporting CP boss arrived with huge expectations, but he’s failed to live up to them, with his recent slump on the field potentially spelling the end to his time at Old Trafford.
It would be a surprise to no one around the world that he could be replaced in the near future, potentially opening the door for one man to take the reins at the Theatre of Dreams.
The favourites for the Man Utd manager role
Over the last couple of days, former England boss Gareth Southgate has emerged as a potential candidate to take over as United manager should Amorim lose his job.
It’s been reported that the 55-year-old would be open to the role after previously being linked with the role on various occasions throughout his managerial career.
However, he’s not the only option currently in the hierarchy’s sights, with former Barcelona boss Xavi also under consideration, according to one outlet in Spain.
They claim that the Spaniard is emerging as one of the favourites to take over in Manchester, with the 45-year-old currently without a job after leaving Barcelona back in May 2024.
Despite the interest in his services, they may have to act quickly, with Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad also approaching him about taking over after Laurent Blanc was sacked.
Why United’s latest target would be their own Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has been a boss who has constantly proven his worth against United over recent years, often causing the Red Devils fanbase pain in the Manchester Derby.
In his 30 outings against the club, he’s won 63% of the matches – with his tally of 19 wins the fourth-most he’s achieved against any side in his managerial career to date.
His time at the Etihad has seen him win six Premier League titles since he took the reins back in the summer of 2016 – subsequently dominating England’s top-flight after his appointment.
There’s no doubt the fans of the Red Devils must wish they had themselves a manager of such a calibre, especially given the dismal levels they’ve had to endure over the last couple of seasons.
However, that could all be about to change with the potential appointment of Xavi in the near future, with the Spaniard possessing a very similar route to his compatriot in his managerial career.
Both starred at Barcelona as players before making the jump into management, with both going on to lead the Catalonian outfit in LaLiga and the Champions League.
Guardiola has made the move to England and succeeded, with Xavi having the chance to do the same if he does get offered the United job in the weeks ahead.
His stats during his time in charge of the Spanish giants are nothing short of remarkable, potentially having the quality to take the Red Devils back to their former glory.
The 45-year-old, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Guardiola himself, achieved a 70% win record for Barca, winning 71 of his 102 matches in charge of the club.
Games managed
102
Wins
71
Draws
16
Losses
15
Points gained
229
Points per game
2.3
Win percentage
70%
Goals scored
198
Goals against
87
He also achieved a staggering 2.3 points per game record, conceding just 87 times in the process – highlighting his ability to create a well-drilled and defensive outfit – something which the Red Devils have greatly lacked.
Xavi also managed to win the LaLiga title back in the 2022/23 campaign, potentially making him the perfect man to end United’s extended wait for a league triumph.
It remains unclear how long Amorim will be given to turn things around, but it’s evident that the 40-year-old is on borrowed time given the recent form in the Premier League.
However, there’s no denying that other options are being lined up by the board, with the former Barca boss potentially the perfect boss to fill the void at Old Trafford.
Arteta 2.0: Man Utd now targeting "best coach in the PL" & it's not Glasner
Manchester United appear to be targeting a manager who could replace Ruben Amorim.
ByEthan Lamb