Xavi is ready to replace Ruben Amorim at Manchester United as pressure mounts on coach: Report

Manchester United could be planning to replace current head coach Ruben Amorim as the team’s performance fails to improve this season as well. The Portuguese manager has struggled to turn things around since taking charge of the club late last season. He has coached United in 49 games and has managed to win just 19, with nine draws and 21 losses.

The team’s recent 3-1 defeat to Brentford has only increased scrutiny on Amorim. Reports suggest several high-profile names are being linked with the Old Trafford job. Former Barcelona manager Xavi is reportedly interested in taking over as the manager if United decide to replace Amorim, according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Amorim’s poor season continues

United’s minority owner Jim Ratcliffe is said to be considering the move as they look to turn around a disappointing season. Fans will be watching closely to see whether the club sticks with Amorim or brings in a new manager to revive their 2025-26 campaign. United are currently placed 14th on the Premier League points table with just two wins in six matches.

The pressure started mounting more on Amorim after he failed to salvage the 2024-25 season at the UEFA Europa League in May, where they lost the final against Tottenham Hotspur and didn’t qualify for this season’s Champions League. This saw his first season at United end terribly without any trophies or European qualification.

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Amorim’s start to the new season also didn’t go well as his team exited the EFL Cup after a humiliating loss to fourth-tier team Grimsby Town. Since then, United have suffered other heavy defeats too, which has put a big question mark on Amorim’s future.

Other potential replacements

Meanwhile, reports also suggest that former England coach Gareth Southgate is in contact with United to replace Amorim. Other potential candidates include Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, and Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler. Former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is also being linked to the job.

Amorim has previously stated that he does not plan to leave Manchester United, which means the club may need to pay around £12 million to end his contract if they decide to make a change before 2027.