September 30, 2025
As the Premier League season hits a fever pitch, Manchester United's woes continue to dominate headlines. Sitting 14th in the table after a dismal 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Saturday—marking their third loss in six matches—pressure is mounting on manager Ruben Amorim. With just seven points from their opening fixtures, the Red Devils' worst start since 1992/93 has fans and pundits alike calling for change. Today, we're diving into the latest on Amorim's precarious position, swirling rumours linking former England boss Gareth Southgate to the Old Trafford hot seat, and growing chatter around Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner as a potential successor. Plus, we'll touch on transfer whispers ahead of January.
Ruben Amorim Sack Latest: Backing from the Board, But Time Is Running Out
Ruben Amorim's honeymoon period at Manchester United is well and truly over. Appointed in November 2024 after Erik ten Hag's mid-season sacking, the Portuguese tactician was hailed as a tactical innovator with his 3-4-3 system. Yet, after 31 Premier League games, United have managed just eight wins, leaving them bottom of the mini-table among teams since his arrival. The Brentford loss—where United conceded three goals and managed only 31% possession—has amplified calls for his dismissal.
Punditry heavyweight Jamie Carragher didn't hold back on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, urging United to "end this as quickly as possible." He argued that Amorim's stubborn adherence to his formation is "the undoing of him," especially with the squad's £200m summer overhaul failing to click. Micah Richards echoed this, labeling United's displays as "shambolic" and questioning why basic defensive issues persist under an "average coach."
Despite the noise, club sources insist Amorim retains Sir Jim Ratcliffe's full backing. The INEOS co-owner, deeply involved in daily operations, has held face-to-face meetings with the 40-year-old but has not demanded tactical tweaks. Reports suggest United will give Amorim until November to turn things around, avoiding a £12m severance payout for now. As one insider put it: "The feeling inside Old Trafford is that Amorim can still turn the season around."
Amorim himself remains defiant, telling reporters: "We're seeing progress in training, but the Premier League is the best league in the world—matches are completely different." He pinpointed a need for "crazy players" who thrive under pressure, name-checking new signing Matheus Cunha for his fearless mentality. Yet, with a trip to Sunderland looming, another slip could force INEOS's hand.
Gareth Southgate Rumour: Connections Strong, But No Direct Talks
Enter Gareth Southgate: the ghost of managerial links past. The former England boss, knighted in the 2025 New Year Honours, has long been whispered about for United due to his close ties with INEOS figures like Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford. Fabrizio Romano clarified on his 'Here We Go' podcast that while Southgate's relationship with the ownership is "very good," there's "no active talks or concrete negotiations." Club sources have dismissed reports of a recent face-to-face meeting as "overblown."
Southgate, 55, has been out of management since England's Euro 2024 final heartbreak but turned down overtures for Poland and others. He's admired by several United players from his international stints and could start immediately without compensation costs. However, CEO Omar Berrada and director Jason Wilcox are reportedly less convinced, viewing him as a "safe" but uninspiring option. Odds have slashed to 5/1 for Southgate taking over, but as he said last year: "It's disrespectful to speculate while there's a manager in place."
Oliver Glasner Talk: The Premier League Proven Winner on the Shortlist
If United do pull the trigger, Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner emerges as a frontrunner. The 51-year-old Austrian has Palace flying high in second place, fresh off an FA Cup triumph over Manchester City last season and a dramatic 97th-minute Community Shield win over Liverpool. His back-three system mirrors Amorim's, promising a seamless transition, and he'd "take the United job in a heartbeat," per transfer expert Ben Jacobs.
Glasner, whose contract expires in 2026, addressed the speculation coolly in Kicker: "I'm aware of the rumours, but that's all they are. I'm staying neutral and completely calm, concentrating on my daily work." Yet, his success—turning Palace into trophy contenders—has INEOS intrigued. Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola and Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler are also in the mix, but Glasner's Premier League pedigree sets him apart. One report even suggested United could lure him with a £60m statement signing like Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton to bolster midfield.
Michael Carrick, currently at Middlesbrough, is floated as an interim option if a swift change is needed.
Transfer Whispers: January Looms Large
With the summer window closed—headlined by exits for Antony (to Real Betis), Jadon Sancho (Aston Villa loan), Rasmus Hojlund (Napoli loan), and Marcus Rashford (Barcelona loan)—United's focus shifts to January. Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, 25, remains a target despite his new deal, with United joined by Tottenham, City, and Villa in the race.
Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic is on the radar for firepower, while Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves could arrive on a free next summer. Youth bolstering continues too: A deal for 17-year-old Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza is agreed, set for 2026. And Juventus wonderkid Kenan Yildiz, with an £80m tag, has caught eyes amid Rashford's potential permanent Barcelona move freeing funds.
Ex-winger Antony, now at Betis, didn't mince words on his United exit: "More than 40 days in a hotel, training separately… I feel disrespected."
What's Next for United?
Amorim's fate hangs by a thread, but Ratcliffe's patience suggests no knee-jerk reaction—yet. Southgate offers familiarity, Glasner excitement, but the real priority is results. With Europe the bare minimum target, United need goals (Mbeumo, Sesko, and Cunha must deliver) and defensive steel. Sunderland awaits this weekend; a win could buy time, a loss ignite the fire sale.
Stay tuned to this live blog for updates as the drama unfolds. Glory, glory? Not yet—but January could change everything. What do you think: Sack now or stick with Amorim? Sound off below.
