The Manchester United hierarchy now have a huge task ahead of them in the weeks ahead, after it was announced that Ruben Amorim had been sacked from his managerial role.
The 40-year-old was appointed back in November 2024, but his win percentage of just 40% from his 63 matches will no doubt have played into the minds of the board.
His outburst, directed at the hierarchy, following the recent 1-1 draw with Leeds United, appears to have been the straw that broke the camel’s back at Old Trafford.
Amorim leaves the Red Devils in sixth place in the Premier League, with the club’s statement citing it was the right time to make a change to bolster their chances of success.
However, it remains to be seen what manager the club will turn to for the long term despite already announcing who will take over the reins on a temporary basis.
Man Utd now want to re-appoint former boss to replace Amorim
After Amorim’s dismissal earlier today, United wasted no time in confirming that former player Darren Fletcher would take over the role on a temporary basis.
The Scotsman has been the Red Devils’ U18s coach since July last year, but has been handed the responsibility of taking the first-team forward for the foreseeable future.
David Ornstein stated that the board are in no rush to appoint a new permanent manager, but could even look to hire a boss until the end of the season away from Fletcher.
As a result, they could turn their attention to another former player in Michael Carrick, with the 44-year-old previously taking the reins on a short-term basis at Old Trafford.
According to a TEAMtalk report, the hierarchy could be tempted to re-appoint the boss after he led the side back between November and December 2021.
The report also states that he’s still held in high regard by many behind the scenes in Manchester after leaving Middlesbrough in June, after nearly three years at the helm.
The Telegraph reports they could even be set to make an approach to bring him back to Old Trafford in the forthcoming weeks.
Why Carrick would be perfect for Mainoo at United
Amorim’s tenure at United was one littered with strange decisions, which no doubt will have made up the board’s decision-making over their decision to sack him.
From his inability to move away from his 3-4-2-1 system to questionable signings like Benjamin Sesko, it truly has been a period to forget for the fanbase.
He also made a huge point of excluding Kobbie Mainoo from his plans, with the English midfielder often having to rely upon minutes off the bench to make an impact.
The 20-year-old was an England international and regular starter under the previous management team, but the now-departed manager failed to hand him a single league start this campaign.
Part of the midfield problems could certainly have been solved by Amorim had he handed Mainoo the chance to impress, but such a decision is one that has no doubt brought a halt to his tenure.
However, now the 40-year-old has been handed his marching orders, it could hand the young midfielder a new lease of life at Old Trafford – especially given the potential of Carrick taking the reins.
The player turned manager racked up 464 appearances during his playing career in Manchester, subsequently winning five Premier League titles.
His experience of playing in such a role, whilst knowing what’s expected from the fans, could hand the academy star the perfect platform to get his career back on track.
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Carrick, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by Dev Bajwa, has previously impressed in the manager role at the Theatre of Dreams, as seen by his incredible 67% win record.
As for Mainoo, the opportunity to work under one of his heroes could be the perfect chance to resurrect his once-promising career, potentially putting an end to any exit rumours.
His stats from the 2024/25 campaign, prior to Amorim’s arrival, showcase his incredible talents, with the youngster often popping up in numerous key moments when previously handed a starting role.
Kobbie Mainoo – PL stats (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
25
Minutes played
1656
Pass accuracy
87%
Chances created
1.7
Successful dribbles
1.3
Tackles won
63%
Duels won
5.9
Interceptions made
1.2
Recoveries made
4.8
Stats via FotMob
Despite being just 20, he’s already scored in an FA Cup final, whilst representing his nation in a European final, subsequently showcasing his star qualities.
The prospect of Mainoo and Carrick working together is an exciting one, with the pair able to work together and finally put an end to the midfield issues. The fact the former Boro boss prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation is also likely to excite him.
Whilst the latter would only be a temporary appointment, it’s one that could set the academy graduate up for a long and successful spell representing his boyhood club.
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