The Race to Old Trafford: Favourite Premier League Contenders to Be the Next Manchester United Manager After Ruben Amorim & Betting Odds
Rúben Amorim’s stint as Manchester United manager has been turbulent, marked by poor Premier League form—matching the club’s worst-ever start—and tactical struggles that have left the team hovering near mid-table. Despite some promising signs in the Europa League, where United went unbeaten in the group stage, Amorim’s overall impact has fallen short of expectations. With pressure mounting, speculation is growing over potential successors such as Graham Potter, Julian Nagelsmann, Zinedine Zidane, and Thomas Tuchel.
Let’s have a look at the next Manchester United manager odds, should something happen to coach Ruben Amorim. We’ll also explore the next Man Utd managers who could potentially take over and possibly lead the Red Devils to Champions League success.
The Premier League Struggles at Manchester United for Ruben Amorim
Former Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United manager, which began on 11 November 2024, has been marked by significant challenges and underwhelming performances.
Under new manager Amorim, United’s Premier League form has been historically poor. By late January 2025, the team had suffered five defeats in their first eight league matches, equalling the club’s worst-ever league start—a record dating back over a century . By Boxing Day, United had slipped to 14th in the table, just eight points above the relegation zone . Amorim’s win rate stood at 33.33%, the worst for any United manager since 1931.
Tactical Adjustments and Player Performances
Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation faced difficulties adapting to the Premier League’s demands. However, he demonstrated tactical flexibility by adjusting roles to better suit key players. Notably, Casemiro, initially sidelined due to concerns about his fit in Amorim’s high-pressing system, experienced a resurgence. Amorim modified his tactics, allowing Casemiro to play a deeper role, which revitalized the midfielder’s performances and made him a pivotal figure in recent Europa League matches.
European Campaign
In contrast to domestic struggles, United’s Europa League campaign under Amorim has been more promising. The team remained unbeaten in the league phase, securing five wins and three draws, and advanced to the knockout stages. Significant victories included a 3-0 win over Athletic Club and a comeback against Lyon, highlighting the team’s potential in European competition.
Potential Successors as The Next Red Devils Manager
Should Manchester United decide to part ways with Amorim, several managerial candidates could be considered:
Here are the latest betting odds for potential candidates to replace Rúben Amorim as Manchester United manager, based on recent bookmaker listings:
| Manager | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Ruud van Nistelrooy | 7/2 | Bet365 |
| Xavi | 5/1 | Bet365 |
| Gareth Southgate | 6/1 | SpreadEx |
| Thomas Frank | 10/1 | Bet365 |
| Kieran McKenna | 14/1 | Bet365 |
| Michael Carrick | 20/1 | Bet365 |
These odds suggest that Ruud van Nistelrooy and Xavi are currently among the frontrunners, with Gareth Southgate and Thomas Frank also in contention. Kieran McKenna and Michael Carrick are considered longer shots. Please note that betting odds are subject to change and may vary between bookmakers.
Certainly! Here’s a brief profile of each candidate, including their betting odds, fit with Manchester United, and a rough implied probability (based on the listed odds):
Ruud van Nistelrooy – 7/2 (22.2% implied probability)
A club legend and fan favorite, Van Nistelrooy has managerial experience with PSV Eindhoven and served as an assistant with the Netherlands national team. His deep connection to United could help unify fans and players, and he promotes an attacking style that aligns with the club’s traditions. However, his relative lack of top-level managerial experience makes him a riskier choice for a club seeking stability.
Fit: Emotional pull and attacking philosophy, but unproven at elite level.
Xavi – 5/1 (16.7% implied probability)
Fresh off a stint at Barcelona, Xavi is known for his tactical discipline and dedication to possession-based football. His time at Barça was turbulent but yielded a La Liga title. At United, he’d bring tactical clarity and prestige, but questions remain about his ability to handle a high-pressure rebuild in the Premier League.
Fit: Tactical intelligence and pedigree; risk due to language, league adjustment, and intensity of media scrutiny.
Gareth Southgate – 6/1 (14.3% implied probability)
Current England manager Southgate is known for his calm demeanor, player management, and defensive organization. Though his tactical acumen is often debated, his leadership and ability to handle big personalities could appeal to a United board seeking stability. The key drawback is his lack of club management since 2009.
Fit: Strong leadership and reputation; lacks recent club-level experience.
Thomas Frank – 10/1 (9.1% implied probability)
Frank has done an exceptional job with Brentford, establishing them in the Premier League with a mix of smart recruitment and tactical flexibility. He’d bring pragmatism, structure, and a proven ability to overachieve with limited resources. However, scaling up to manage a global giant like United would be a huge leap.
Fit: Tactical brain and grounded leadership; lacks experience managing stars or at European level.
Kieran McKenna – 14/1 (6.7% implied probability)
A former United assistant and now Ipswich Town manager, McKenna is one of England’s most promising young coaches. His success with Ipswich—particularly their promotion push—is attracting attention. His intimate knowledge of the club culture and modern coaching methods could make him a long-term project hire.
Fit: Future-focused and philosophically aligned with United; very raw at this level.
Michael Carrick – 20/1 (4.8% implied probability)
Another former player, Carrick has quietly impressed at Middlesbrough, instilling a progressive, possession-based style. Like McKenna, his deep ties to the club and understanding of its expectations are big assets. He’d be a popular choice, but his lack of top-flight experience makes him more of a developmental option.
Fit: Strong cultural fit and style of play; needs more time to prove himself at higher level.
