Manchester United’s managerial search has intensified following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, as speculation continues to swirl around potential successors.
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes has suggested Enzo Maresca could emerge as a surprise candidate, though he doubts the appointment would be a good fit.
United parted ways with Amorim on Monday after a turbulent 14-month spell marked by poor results and public tension.
Amorim’s tenure ends amid frustration
United finished 15th in the Premier League last season under Amorim and have struggled to establish consistency this campaign.
Results were not the only concern, as Amorim repeatedly clashed with club leadership during press conferences.
His final public remarks came after a 1-1 draw at Leeds, where he warned senior figures against interfering with his work.
Those comments followed earlier criticism regarding limited backing in the transfer market.
Interim plan and short-term approach
Former midfielder Darren Fletcher has been placed in interim charge and will lead the team against Burnley.
United plan to appoint a caretaker manager until the end of the season before making a permanent decision in the summer.
Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and England manager Thomas Tuchel are among the early names linked with the role.
Tuchel’s current contract runs only until the conclusion of the World Cup, adding intrigue to his candidacy.
Maresca link raises questions
Maresca has also been mentioned as a possible target following his recent departure from Chelsea.
Scholes acknowledged that a connection exists between Maresca and senior figures now working at Old Trafford.
‘I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Enzo Maresca, it really wouldn’t surprise me,’ Scholes said on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast.
‘I just think the connection is there, they might think it’s a safe bet given they know him.’
Doubts over suitability at Old Trafford
Despite that familiarity, Scholes believes Maresca’s philosophy aligns more closely with Manchester City than United.
‘Is Maresca the right man for Man United? I don’t see it. He’s that Man City style of manager,’ he said.
Maresca previously worked under Pep Guardiola and is viewed as someone who could maintain City’s tactical continuity.
Guardiola remains under contract until the end of next season, but succession planning is already underway.
City seen as better long-term fit
Scholes suggested Maresca would be a natural successor should Guardiola eventually step aside.
‘Maresca does feel like a really good replacement for him at Man City,’ he added.
‘He doesn’t feel right for Man United but he does for Man City.’
Former United and England teammate Nicky Butt echoed those sentiments.
Concerns over control and stability
‘If I was a Man City fan I would want to get him in,’ Butt said.
‘He knows the club’s philosophy, he knows how Pep works and it wouldn’t be too much of a change from what they have now.’
Scholes also questioned whether Maresca would accept a role at United given the circumstances surrounding Amorim’s exit.
‘He’s left Chelsea because he didn’t have total control – is he going to come to United given why Amorim left?’ he said.
Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City shortly after Maresca’s departure only added to the growing intrigue surrounding his next move.
