Ruben Amorim is firmly under intense scrutiny at Manchester United, with the Portuguese manager's job security constantly under question after a disastrous start to the season.
However, the club's hierarchy, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is reportedly prepared to absorb the cost of a poor season and hold off on a mid-season change.
The reason for this high-stakes patience is a pragmatic one: the highly attractive and financially viable pool of elite managerial talent set to become available for free in the summer of 2026.
The staggering cost of firing Amorim now, a payout of at least £10 million, combined with the possibility of securing a world-class manager on a free transfer in nine months, has created a major strategic dilemma for the club's new ownership.
The long list of elite managers available in 2026
The ability to secure a top manager without paying a hefty compensation fee is a major factor in United’s current thinking.
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The list includes a number of managers who are currently under contract but whose deals expire in 2026, making them prime targets for United.
These include:
Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth): The Spanish manager is highly regarded for his aggressive, high-pressing style, which would appeal to United's fans.
Thomas Tuchel (England): The German coach's contract with the England national team expires after the 2026 World Cup, and he has expressed a desire to return to club football.
Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace): The Austrian manager has a strong record in the Premier League and is known for his ability to quickly implement his tactical philosophy.
Julian Nagelsmann (Germany): The young German manager's contract also expires in 2026, and he is a major target for a number of top clubs.
The tactical and financial gamble of patience
The decision to wait is both a financial necessity and a strategic gamble.
By waiting until the summer, United avoids squandering around £35 million on hiring and firing fees in less than 12 months.
This money can instead be used to secure one of the managers on the free agent list, or to invest in the club's squad under the watchful eye of PSR regulations.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly "refusing to panic" and is prepared to stick by Amorim for now.
The club is betting that the short-term pain of sticking with Amorim is worth the long-term gain of securing a world-class replacement for free.
The highly anticipated pool of free agent managers makes this gamble a necessary one for the club.
Manchester United news and related links
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