Manchester United Are Already Plotting A Replacement For Rúben Amorim… Just Hours After The Shocking 1-1 Draw With Wolves
Manchester United are said to be drawing up backup plans to replace Rúben Amorim after their underwhelming 1–1 draw with Wolves, a result that has intensified doubts about the Portuguese coach’s long-term future at Old Trafford.
The stalemate has once again sparked debate over who could take charge if the club decide to make a change, with United now entering a decisive phase of both their league and cup campaigns.
Amorim’s spell in Manchester has been far from smooth. Last season proved especially disappointing, as United slumped to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League and were beaten in the Europa League final. It marked just the second occasion in the Premier League era that the club failed to secure qualification for European competition.
Even so, part of the fanbase remained patient, believing the new campaign could mark a turnaround, particularly after the summer arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo boosted expectations.
That optimism, however, quickly faded once the season began. United managed only one victory in their opening five league fixtures, raising concerns about the squad’s readiness and overall chemistry. Matters worsened in the Carabao Cup, where they were knocked out by Grimsby Town on penalties, a shock exit that further dented confidence in Amorim’s authority.
There were brief signs of progress following the introduction of goalkeeper Senne Lammens, whose presence brought a measure of stability at the back. Yet defensive issues continued to surface, highlighted by a heavy four-goal concession against Bournemouth and successive two-goal defeats to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur.
A narrow 1–0 win over Newcastle United on Boxing Day, achieved without Bruno Fernandes, briefly lifted spirits. That momentum did not last, though, as the draw with Wolves quickly brought Amorim back under the microscope.
According to reports from Caught Offside, United are discreetly assessing alternative managerial options should results fail to improve. While the club continue to publicly back Amorim, there is growing belief that senior figures are weighing up possible successors in the background, aware of the mounting pressure surrounding the team.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has emerged as a leading contender, with some viewing him as a dependable choice. He was previously close to leaving Selhurst Park earlier in the season, although ongoing discussions around potential transfers, including Brennan Johnson, could influence his situation. Former Barcelona manager Xavi and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola are also believed to be on the radar, both seen as capable of handling the demands of the United job if the vacancy arises.
The opening weeks of 2026 will be critical. United face away league games against Leeds United and Burnley, an FA Cup tie with Brighton, and major Premier League clashes against Manchester City and Arsenal. Performances in these matches are expected to play a significant role in shaping Amorim’s fate, with disappointing results likely to hasten the club’s contingency plans.
Questions have also been raised about Amorim’s tactical decisions. In the build-up to the Wolves game, he had used a back-four in three straight matches, which brought relative defensive stability. Against Wolves, however, he switched back to a three-man defence in an attempt to counter their attacking approach, a move that ultimately failed to deliver the desired outcome.
United now stand at a crossroads. Although Amorim still enjoys outward backing, the club are clearly preparing for multiple outcomes. What happens in the coming fixtures, alongside key tactical calls and potential January transfer activity, will go a long way in determining whether Amorim is given time to turn things around or whether Manchester United move on to a new manager.
