The pressure on Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, has heightened following a 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Saturday.

The loss marked Amorim’s 17th Premier League defeat in 33 matches since his appointment in November 2024, intensifying speculation about his future at Old Trafford.

Amorim’s tenure has been turbulent, with United finishing 15th in the 2024/25 Premier League season, their worst-ever placement, and suffering an early EFL Cup exit to Grimsby Town this campaign via penalty shootout.

Despite a £216 million summer spend on signings like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens, the team sit 14th in the league after a 2-1 win over Chelsea provided brief respite before the Brentford setback.

Amid the club’s travails, several managers have been identified as possible replacements should management decide to fire the 40-year-old Portuguese tactician.

Reports from England say the shortlist includes former England manager Gareth Southgate, who stepped down from the national team role in July 2024 and is currently without a club.

Southgate has been in direct contact with United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with sources suggesting a potential appointment could be delayed until November to reduce compensation costs for Amorim after his first year in charge.

Southgate’s experience handling high-pressure environments at the international level is cited as a key reason for his inclusion, despite limited recent club management experience.

Also linked to the Old Trafford job are Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Fulham manager Marco Silva.

Glasner, whose contract at Palace expires next summer, has impressed with an unbeaten start to the season, including a dramatic 98th-minute victory over Liverpool, on Saturday.

Silva, who is in the final year of his deal at Fulham, has been praised for maximising player potential and tactical adaptability, though he has expressed frustration over limited squad investment.

Another manager on the shortlist is Bournemouth boss, Andoni Iraola.

Iraola has enjoyed success keeping the team competitive despite significant player departures in the summer.

His Premier League exploits, which saw his team currently sit at fifth place on the league table, have made him an attractive option for United’s hierarchy. (The Sun)