Glasner emerges as Old Trafford frontrunner as United hunt for Amorim successor

Manchester United have moved swiftly to identify their next manager following Monday's departure of Ruben Amorim, with Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner emerging as the leading contender to take the reins at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils confirmed Amorim's exit on Monday morning, just a day after the team's 1-1 draw against Leeds at Elland Road. The Austrian tactician had been appointed in November 2024 and steered United to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao this May, yet with the club languishing sixth in the Premier League, the hierarchy determined a change was necessary to maximise their chances of a top-flight recovery.

Amorim's final act proved controversial, launching into a heated exchange with United's decision-makers following the Leeds stalemate, though reports suggest the sacking had already been settled before kick-off. Darren Fletcher will oversee affairs during the interim period, beginning with Wednesday's Burnley fixture.

The search for Amorim's replacement has already gathered pace, with Glasner identified by The Independent as the preferred candidate. The Palace boss has long been touted as a potential United target, though there remains an expectation he may wish to complete the current campaign with his current club—a timeline that could nonetheless suit the Old Trafford hierarchy.

United are revisiting their summer 2024 shortlist alongside fresh consideration of other names. Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna features prominently in their thinking, while recently departed Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has attracted attention following his work at Stamford Bridge. Both figures represent the profile United value: managers comfortable operating within the club's broader structural framework—a dynamic that proved contentious during Amorim's tenure.

Julian Nagelsmann also features in discussions, with Christopher Vivell, United's increasingly prominent recruitment director, possessing established knowledge of the German coach's methods from their Red Bull connections. Nagelsmann's availability could improve following next summer's World Cup, should he seek a return to club management after international duty.

The search represents United's attempt to stabilise a chaotic campaign and restore credibility to a managerial position that has become increasingly fraught since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure.