Manchester United have begun the search for a new head coach after parting ways with Ruben Amorim, prompting immediate speculation over his successor.
Jordan's Emery Endorsement
In the wake of the dismissal, prominent talkSPORT pundit and former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has strongly advocated for Unai Emery to take the reins at Old Trafford. Jordan, a long-time admirer of the Aston Villa manager, did not hesitate to name the Spaniard as the ideal candidate.
"Emery is a Man United manager, he is one of the best in class," Jordan stated emphatically. "He's done brilliantly. He is a brilliant manager, Man United get a manager like him who is a statesman, who can build, knows how to manage properly and doesn't do what these children managers do every time they don't get what they want – which is scream in front of the media."
Amorim's Departure and United's Statement
The club confirmed Amorim's exit in an official statement on 5th January 2026. The Portuguese coach, who was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to the UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May 2025, was relieved of his duties with United sitting sixth in the Premier League.
The club's statement read: "With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish."
Darren Fletcher will take temporary charge for the upcoming match against Burnley.
Emery's Credentials and Contract Situation
This is not the first time Emery has been linked with the Manchester United job, with his name circulating even before Amorim's appointment. The highly-rated manager is currently under a long-term contract at Aston Villa, having signed fresh terms in May 2024 that run until 2029.
His stock has risen considerably due to his transformative work at Villa Park, where his team has consistently outperformed the struggling Red Devils in recent seasons, adding significant weight to Jordan's argument for his appointment.
The search for a permanent successor to Amorim is now underway, with Emery's name firmly in the frame according to influential voices in the game.
