Manchester United are said to be drawing up backup plans in case they decide to move on from Rúben Amorim, with the 1–1 draw against Wolves increasing concerns about the Portuguese coach’s position.
The result has pushed the conversation about a possible successor back into focus as the club approaches a decisive stretch of league and cup fixtures.
Amorim ended last season under a cloud at Old Trafford. United finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final, leaving the club without European football for only the second time in the competition’s history.
Even so, many supporters stuck by him, encouraged by hopes of improvement and by the summer arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Early problems fuel doubts
Despite the optimism surrounding those signings, the start of the 2025–26 campaign has fallen short. United picked up just one win from their opening five league matches, while an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit on penalties to Grimsby Town added to the frustration.
The signing of goalkeeper Senne Lammens helped steady the defence somewhat, but problems at the back remained. United conceded four goals to Bournemouth and let in two apiece in defeats to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.
A 1–0 win over Newcastle on Boxing Day, achieved without Bruno Fernandes, briefly lifted spirits. However, attention quickly returned to Amorim after the late-December draw with Wolves, which reignited questions about his long-term future.
Fallback options being explored
According to Caught Offside, United are now quietly preparing alternative plans should results fail to improve. While the club continues to back Amorim publicly, preparations behind the scenes suggest they are keeping their options open.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is reported to be the leading candidate if a change is made, viewed internally as a reliable and steady choice.
Glasner was close to leaving Palace earlier in the season, though ongoing talks at Selhurst Park, including a potential move for Brennan Johnson, could affect his willingness to depart.
Other names being discussed include former Barcelona manager Xavi and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, both seen as viable options if the Old Trafford job becomes available.
A decisive run of fixtures ahead
United begin 2026 with trips to Leeds United and Burnley, followed by a difficult FA Cup tie against Brighton and league clashes with Manchester City and Arsenal.
Performances across this run are expected to play a major role in determining whether Amorim keeps the board’s full confidence.
January transfer activity will also be telling. A quiet window may hint at reduced faith in Amorim’s project, while investment in the squad would suggest continued backing.
Tactical choices under the microscope
Amorim’s tactical decisions have also come under scrutiny. Before facing Wolves, he had used a back four for three straight matches, producing solid defensive displays.
Against Wolves, however, he switched back to a back three in response to Rob Edwards’ attacking shape, a change that failed to pay off.
United looked exposed at the back, suggesting the system did not suit the available players. Sticking with a back four could be important not only for on-field stability but also for maintaining supporter confidence.
Amorim has shown he is willing to adjust, and his ability to settle on the most effective approach may be crucial to his survival in the role.
Uncertainty grows at Old Trafford
With a demanding fixture list ahead and key decisions to be made in the transfer window, scrutiny of Amorim is only increasing.
Supporters, pundits, and club officials are watching closely, and the coming weeks are likely to shape the manager’s fate.
The growing discussion around a possible successor underlines how fragile a manager’s position can be at a club of United’s size.
While Amorim still has public backing, inconsistent results, tactical doubts, and tough upcoming tests mean that speculation about his future is unlikely to fade any time soon.
