Manchester United have reportedly started preparing a contingency plan to replace Rúben Amorim, following the 1-1 draw against Wolves, signalling growing concerns about the Portuguese manager’s position. The developments have brought the Amorim replacement discussion to the forefront as United face a crucial period in the Premier League and cup competitions.
Last season ended on a disappointing note for Amorim at Old Trafford. United finished 15th in the Premier League and suffered defeat in the Europa League final. For only the second time in Premier League history, the club was without European football. Despite these setbacks, supporters remained largely loyal to the manager, hopeful for a turnaround in the new season, especially with the additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo during the summer transfer window.
Early Season Struggles Raise Questions
While the summer signings brought optimism, the opening phase of the 2025–26 campaign failed to meet expectations. United managed just one victory in their first five league matches. A notable low point came in the Carabao Cup, where the Red Devils were eliminated by Grimsby Town on penalties.
The arrival of goalkeeper Senne Lammens provided some stability at the back, and performances improved slightly. However, defensive frailties persisted, with four goals conceded against Bournemouth and two goals each in defeats to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur.
United’s 1-0 Boxing Day victory over Newcastle United was a highlight, achieved without the presence of Bruno Fernandes. Despite the promising result, attention quickly returned to Amorim following the 1-1 draw with Wolves on 30 December, reigniting debate over his long-term role at the club.
Contingency Plans in Motion
Ruben Amorim Replacement: Manchester United Plan Contingency Amid Wolves Draw
As reported by Caught Offside, Manchester United have begun formulating plans to potentially replace Amorim if results fail to improve. While public support for the manager remains, the club is preparing for alternative options behind the scenes, reflecting the high stakes of the current campaign.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is reported as the favourite to succeed Amorim, widely regarded as a “safe pair of hands.” Glasner appeared close to leaving Selhurst Park earlier in the season, but ongoing negotiations, including the potential signing of Brennan Johnson, could influence his decision to stay.
Other potential Amorim replacement options include former Barcelona manager Xavi and current Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, both considered capable of stepping into the Old Trafford hot seat if required.
Upcoming Fixtures Will Test Amorim
Manchester United start 2026 with fixtures at Elland Road against Leeds United and a trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley. The club will also contend with a challenging FA Cup tie against Brighton, before returning to league action against Manchester City and Arsenal. The results in these matches may heavily influence whether Amorim retains full backing from the board.
The club’s activity in the January transfer window will also signal its level of support. A quiet window could indicate a lack of confidence in Amorim’s long-term plans, while significant reinforcements would show continued trust in his management.
Tactical Decisions Under Scrutiny
A key area of debate surrounding Amorim has been his tactical approach. Prior to the Wolves game, he deployed a back-four formation for three consecutive matches, delivering solid defensive performances in each. However, against Wolves, he reverted to a back-three to counter Rob Edwards’ attacking setup, a decision that proved ineffective.
United struggled defensively in the match, suggesting that the switch may not have suited the players available. Maintaining a back-four formation could be critical for Amorim to retain support from the fanbase, as well as to provide stability and consistency on the pitch.
Despite these challenges, Amorim has demonstrated a willingness to make changes, and his ability to adapt tactically will be crucial in the coming weeks. Continuation with the most effective setup could determine whether he remains in charge or if the club pursues a Amorim replacement.
Pressure Builds at Old Trafford
As Manchester United navigate a testing fixture schedule and evaluate squad needs in January, the focus on Amorim’s leadership is intensifying. Fans, analysts, and the club hierarchy are all monitoring results closely, with the next few weeks likely to shape the manager’s future.
The debate over a potential Amorim replacement highlights the precarious nature of football management at a club of United’s stature. While Amorim retains public support, the combination of inconsistent results, tactical questions, and upcoming challenges ensures that speculation about his future will continue to dominate discussions at Old Trafford.
