Wednesday, January 7, 2026
HomePremier LeagueTwo surprise Man Utd candidates emerge as new manager search underway

Two surprise Man Utd candidates emerge as new manager search underway

Former Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be “keen” on a return to Old Trafford, while Enzo Maresca is reportedly under consideration to replace Ruben Amorim as head coach. 

The Red Devils are search for a new manager after firing Amorim following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road in the Premier League.

The Portuguese tactician hinted that higher-ups at the club were meddling in his job, insisting that he “came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not the head coach”.

Man United are reportedly looking to hire a short-term replacement for Amorim before naming a permanent successor in the summer.

Two surprise Man Utd candidates emerge in new manager search

Fabrizio Romano claims that Man Utd are “aware” of Solskjaer “being keen to return even on a six month contract”.

The Norwegian would “would love to be back and help” his former club as caretaker, as he did in 2018. He was handed the job on a full-time basis in 2019 before eventually being sacked in 2021.

Solskjaer is currently out of work after being sacked by Besiktas last year.

Read – Manchester United prepared to wait for right Amorim replacement

Meanwhile, Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Maresca is on United’s list of candidates for the vacant role after the Italian was sacked by Chelsea on New Year’s Day.

The report claims that Maresca has a strong connection with Man Utd CEO Omar Barrada, who brought the coach to Manchester City as an assistant coach to Pep Guardiola.

The 45-year-old reportedly held talks with City about potentially succeeding Guardiola in the future on three occasions.

Read More – The favourites to become next Manchester United manager

See Also – The football stories that defined the year in 2025

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Ste McGovern
Ste McGovernhttps://bsky.app/profile/stemcgovern.bsky.social
Freelance football writer with bylines for The Football Faithful, Manchester Evening News, BirminghamLive, MARCA, Balls.ie and the Nottingham Post.
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