Manchester United’s 15th-placed finish in the Premier League was their worst since the division’s formation back in 1992, with Ruben Amorim massively struggling in the role.
The 40-year-old was handed the benefit of the doubt after taking the reins early on in the season following the sacking of Erik ten Hag – with the board backing him in the summer window.
INEOS handed the manager £200m worth of funds to improve his first-team squad, subsequently making additions and reinforcements to his attacking department.
However, to date, the signings have been to no avail, with the Red Devils once again being sat in 15th place after losing three of their first six Premier League outings in 2025/26.
It’s been reported that the hierarchy aren’t currently looking to make a change of manager, but given the dismal form, it would be no surprise to see action being taken in the coming weeks.
Alternative options are already being drawn up by the board to replace Amorim, with numerous managers appearing on their shortlist over the last couple of days.
The latest on United’s hunt for an Amorim replacement
Over the last couple of days, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has emerged as one of United’s primary targets for the managerial role at Old Trafford.
The Spaniard has led the Cherries to new heights, finishing ninth in England’s top-flight last year, but he could be on the move given he has less than a year remaining on his contract.
However, he’s not the only Premier League manager in their sights, with Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hürzeler another under consideration, according to Football Insider.
They claim that the German is emerging as a top option for INEOS, with the hierarchy impressed by his work at the AMEX after his appointment in the summer of 2024.
The report also states that the 32-year-old could be tempted to jump ship should the Red Devils make a move for his signature, with his English top-flight experience another factor for the board.
Why United’s latest target could be Klopp 2.0
Whilst he’s no longer managing in the Premier League, former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp was a man that brought character to the division – but also endless pain to the United fan base.
The German only suffered five defeats in his 21 outings against the Red Devils, even claiming a historic 7-0 victory at Anfield back in the 2022/23 campaign.
Whilst he may have managed their bitter rivals, there’s no denying the former Reds boss is a serial winner – claiming a Premier League title at Anfield, a feat the Red Devils have failed to do in 12 long years.
The prospect of landing the 58-year-old is an unrealistic one, but they could be about to land their own version of the German with a move for Hurzeler.
The 32-year-old may be relatively inexperienced given his one-year spell in England’s top-flight, but he’s already massively impressed, winning 25 of his 53 outings in charge.
Hurzeler, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Eddie Howe, has received huge praise from current Seagulls player James Milner, with the experienced man comparing him to former boss Klopp.
Such praise is a huge compliment to the German, subsequently highlighting the quality he possesses as a manager despite his tender age – whilst still having bags of time to improve further in the years ahead.
Games managed
53
Wins
25
Draws
15
Losses
13
Goals per game
2.02
Goals conceded per game
1.5
Points per game
1.7
Win percentage
47.1%
The underlying numbers further highlight how impressive the young boss has been on the South Coast, undoubtedly being an excellent option to replace Amorim should he be sacked.
His side have averaged over two goals scored per game during his tenure, whilst also conceding just 1.5 goals per game – with the German possessing an exciting brand of attacking football.
They’ve also achieved an average of 1.7 points per game, subsequently helping the Seagulls finish in the top half of England’s top-flight last season – with the Red Devils needing to take a risk in appointing the youngster.
It’s unclear how much it would cost to get him out of his current contract at the AMEX, but United desperately need a young and ambitious manager to inject a needed sense of optimism back into the squad.
If he can reach the levels achieved by Klopp during his own time in England, it would be a magnificent appointment, with the Red Devils needing to make a move quickly to prevent another embarrassing campaign.
