Man United Manager on 01.01.2026: Odds and Predictions

Manchester United's 2025/26 season has been chaotic so far. Ruben Amorim's time at the club began with high hopes, but it has quickly turned into a struggle. The Portuguese coach stepped into the role midway through last season after the club's poor run under Erik ten Hag. He walked into a team still adjusting to another change in style. Amorim initially provided a brief spark, but that momentum soon was nowhere to be seen.

Now, with just 10 wins in 34 Premier League matches, his reign statistically became the worst managerial start in modern United history. The team remains inconsistent, and supporters are deeply frustrated.

As the atmosphere at Old Trafford grows more tense, attention is turning once again to who might take the spot next. In this article, we analyse the betting odds and predict who will be Manchester United's manager on 1 January 2026.

Bookmakers have already released betting lines on who'll be boss at Old Trafford on the first day of the new year. While Ruben Amorim remains the favourite to keep the job, at least until January, pressure continues to mount. There are a lot of high-profile names in the mix, and the odds on Man Utd next manager below indicate who might be in charge on 01.01.2026:

Ruben Amorim

Amorim remains the frontrunner, but his position is far from secure. This summer, the team was eliminated from the English League Cup by Grimsby Town. To make it clear, it's the club from England's fourth tier. United can pull off big results, like their recent win over Chelsea, yet still collapse against weaker sides. Inconsistency of the club makes it harder for Amorim to keep his position.

Before arriving at Old Trafford, he was one of Europe's most promising young coaches. He guided Sporting CP to their first league title in almost two decades, winning multiple trophies in Portugal. However, he hasn't repeated the same success in England yet, and patience is starting to wear thin.

🚨🧨 JUST IN: Ruben Amorim is described as a ‘lonely man’ by club sources — he keeps his distance from the team during training sessions, sits alone and does not speak to anyone after defeats. It seems that the situation at the club has changed him. (@SullyTalkz) pic.twitter.com/1V57wT0s5w

— The United HQ (@TheUTDHQ) September 28, 2025

Oliver Glasner

Oliver Glasner has built an impressive background across Europe. Before arriving in England, he guided LASK to European qualification, took Wolfsburg to the Champions League, and led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022. He became Crystal Palace manager in February 2024 and has since completely reshaped the club's identity. Under his leadership, the Eagles won their first-ever FA Cup.

Glasner is known for his tactical discipline and ability to maximise limited resources, which is what The Red Devils might be currently missing. Recently, the coach stated that he is aware of the speculations about him leaving for Manchester, but indicated that he is fully focused on his work at Palace as of now. Still, with his contract nearing its end, a move to Old Trafford feels possible.

• European winner.
• Can play multiple formations.
• Beat Pep Guardiola in a final.
• Beat Prem winners Liverpool in a final.
• Won Palace their first ever major trophy. (2).

Oliver Glasner to Manchester United? pic.twitter.com/s5EYFA27IQ

— Maggie (@UtdMaggie) October 2, 2025

Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola has made a name for himself as one of the brightest young coaches in European football. With Iraola in charge, Bournemouth equalled their best-ever Premier League finish in 2025. Now in his third season, the team is performing strongly again and sitting near the top of the table. He prefers a fast, attacking style built on high pressing. His teamwork ability is a great example for Manchester, where the coach and the team seem disconnected from one another.

The Mancoonians have been linked with Iraola, but the rumours are pretty much downplayed. Iraola insists he is happy at Bournemouth and focused on building something long-term. Still, he's a strong candidate, according to the media and bookies around the world.

🚨🚨🚨

Manchester United are holding talks with Andoni Iraola. Sir Jim Ratcliffe isn’t fully convinced after the Chelsea game — calling it “lucky” and suggesting if Chelsea had 20 more minutes, they’d have won given their dominance. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/MqfwXf1OsE

— Manutd Addicts (@Manutd_addicts) September 22, 2025

Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick is being mentioned as a possible option for Manchester United. He played for the club for over ten years before joining the coaching team. He briefly took charge as caretaker manager in 2021 and led the team to victories against Arsenal and Villarreal. This previous experience gives him valuable insight into how things work behind the scenes.

The 44-year-old is currently without a team after Middlesbrough sacked him in June, so rumours about him returning to Manchester are growing into something bigger. Carrick stands out for his calm leadership and tactical intelligence. He could bring discipline and stability if United opt for a mid-season reset.

💣🚨🚨BREAKING: Michael Carrick would be tempted by a return to Manchester United.

The club have started working on a contingency plan if results do not improve and Ruben Amorim is sacked.

[@talkSPORT]

Reds, would you swap Amorim for Carrick? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/QuUHei8ZCE

— mufcytp (@mufcytp) September 30, 2025

Gareth Southgate

The former England manager had some big moments, leading the team to two EURO finals and a World Cup quarter-final. However, both EURO finals ended in defeat, and many fans grew frustrated with his cautious, defensive approach. Even with one of the most talented England squads in years, his tactics and constant trust in out-of-form players often restricted the team's potential.

Now, reports suggest he's open to returning to management. Manchester United are seen as a possible destination if Amorim is fired. However, Southgate wants the club's board to guarantee a long-term plan to rebuild the Red Devils, instead of demanding instant results. Given the club's recent pattern of unpredictable decisions, Gareth may not be entirely out of the question.

Xavi Hernandez

Xavi Hernández built his managerial career with Al Sadd, where he won seven trophies, before arriving at Barcelona in 2021 and guiding the club to the 2022/23 La Liga and Supercopa titles. He focused on possession-based football and developing young talent. It helped bring back the discipline and identity to a once-struggling Barcelona side.

Xavi is currently without a club and appeared as a contender for the job. The Spaniard has openly expressed admiration for the Premier League and Man United, calling it his "dream club." While the rumours might sound exciting, some fans question whether his lack of Premier League experience could become a problem at Old Trafford.

Outside candidates for the role

Among the outsiders in the current betting odds are Laurent Blanc (26.00), Luciano Spalletti (34.00), and Roy Keane (67.00). 

Al-Ittihad recently sacked Blanc despite winning the Saudi league, and he's reportedly eager to return to Europe. Spalletti guided Napoli to the 2023 Serie A title and managed the Italian national team for two years. Despite his reputation, the bookies don't see him as a serious contender for the role at Old Trafford. As for Keane, the United legend is a nostalgic yet risky pick. He hasn't managed a club since 2011, and his intense personality could create additional tension.

Manchester United continue to suffer, and the longtime fans are asking for change. The club might consider giving Amorim a bit more time to turn things around. However, if he is sacked by the end of the year, Michael Carrick stands out as the most realistic successor.

The former United midfielder knows the club inside out. He has already shown promise as a coach by guiding Middlesbrough to the Championship play-offs. Carrick's familiarity with players and strong leadership could help them get back on their feet. While Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola remain strong alternatives, Carrick's history with United might give him the edge if a change happens. Meanwhile, Xavi and Southgate may carry too many risks at this stage. If results don't improve soon, we predict the Red Devils will turn to Carrick at 13.00.

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