18/01/2026

SUNDAY | JAN 18, 2026

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Reset at Old Trafford How changes behind-the-scenes at Manchester United heaps the spotlight onto their next permanent manager

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick. – REUTERSPIC

AS Manchester United properly begin the process of appointing a new head coach, one consideration now stands above many others: how a manager looks and feels the moment he “walks in the door”. It may sound simplistic, but as they found with Ruben Amorim, it remains hugely significant. The club’s leadership – and especially Sir Jim Ratcliffe – believed the Portuguese coach had the personality to carry the weight of such a club. Over time, however, sources say they came to feel he lacked the necessary “emotional maturity”. He simply was not ready. That still matters, regardless of how much the modern game changes. And it is also where United now face a problem – one arguably deepened by the eco nomic landscape from which the club has long benefited. Put bluntly, there are fewer coaches of that calibre available. Look across the 12 clubs that attempted to form the Super League and there are now more manag ers who have won nothing at all than there are Champions League winners. Only Pep Guardiola and Hansi Flick

next manager at the Theatre of Dreams remains extremely remote. Nevertheless, Manchester United leg end Wayne Rooney has now revealed he would have welcomed Klopp to Old Trafford before the German’s legendary nine-year spell at Anfield. On The Wayne Rooney Show , the 40 year-old confessed: “I think before Liverpool, I would have loved Klopp. But I don’t think you could bring Klopp in or Alonso, for me. “Alonso did incredible at Leverkusen, and I think you’ve more chance of him sitting, and waiting and hoping that Arne Slot leaves.” This comes amid speculation linking Alonso with the United hot seat, follow ing his departure from Real Madrid on Monday after merely seven-and-a-half months at the helm. Rooney was also swift to identify Tuchel as his preferred candidate at this moment, citing his proven track record in English football. “Tuchel was the one for me. I just think he knows the Premier League, he’s won trophies, he’s doing well at England. Time will absolutely tell.” – The Independent/Express Newspapers

rival clubs who have visited the training base. The hope is that this change will give Amorim’s successor a far better chance, given that he first entered an environ ment that has since been described as “toxic”. Darren Fletcher stepped in temporar ily for fixtures against Burnley and Brighton, before Michael Carrick was handed the interim manager’s role ear lier this week. Carrick is expected to steer the club towards the strongest possible Premier League finish this campaign, with United set to review their managerial options come summer. Consequently, speculation has been rife about who might take the reins per manently for the 2026/27 season. Names such as Oliver Glasner and Gareth Southgate have been touted as frontrunners to rebuild the club, whilst Xabi Alonso and Jurgen Klopp has also been mentioned as outside bets. Given the German’s deep-rooted con nection to Liverpool, where he guided United’s fierce rivals to both Premier League and Champions League glory, the prospect of the German becoming the

have lifted the trophy, rising to just three if you include Luis Enrique. Modern football has fostered a self perpetuating dynamic in which the wid ening gap to the super-wealthy means very few coaches can acquire the precise experience – or credentials – required to manage them. That helps explain the renewed talk of United returning to Thomas Tuchel, who came close to joining in the summer of 2024. He has the charisma, the record and sufficiently modern ideas – but his avail ability could cost United another sum mer, given his hope of remaining involved in the World Cup until July 19. Enrique is also being discussed. Beyond that, however, many candidates carry similar risks to Amorim. How, for instance, would Andoni Iraola adapt? United sources insist there is one cru cial difference from Amorim’s arrival – and it lies on the other side of the door he walked through. The culture and atmosphere at Carrington are said to be “night and day” compared with then. This is not simply an internal boast. It is echoed by other figures in the game, including those from

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