Darren Fletcher
January 2026
United lost to Brighton and Fletcher indicated he may not stay in charge, with the club expected to appoint another caretaker for the rest of the season. After two winless games as interim, Fletcher said “someone is going to come in and lead them,” while United’s season narrows to the league after cup exits.
Bruno Fernandes
January 2026
A report claims teammates believe Fernandes may decide to leave United after the World Cup, frustrated by ongoing instability, with his contract running to 2027. Sources suggest Amorim’s exit and uncertainty around club direction have worsened his outlook, and that United may face a decision window if they want to cash in before his deal runs down.
Ruben Amorim
January 2026
Amorim flew back to Lisbon after being sacked by United, appearing relaxed when approached by reporters, while United remain under interim control. He was filmed arriving at Lisbon airport and declined to answer questions; his exit followed internal tension and a public press-conference outburst, with Fletcher now leading the team short-term.
Jason Wilcox, Ruben Amorim
January 2026
A reported internal split with Wilcox worsened before Amorim’s Leeds press conference, with the “manager not coach” issue becoming a flashpoint. Reports claim Wilcox presented himself as “like a manager” while casting Amorim as the coach, aggravating Amorim’s demand for more control and transfer support. Disputes over recruitment and Amorim’s rigid 3-4-3 intensified pressure.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
January 2026
Guardiola said Donnarumma’s short passing and composure are better than his reputation, while conceding he cannot match Ederson’s long passing. Guardiola highlighted first touch, decision-making, and tempo in short build-up as key strengths, framing Ederson’s range as an outlier few keepers can replicate.
Karim Benzema
January 2026
Planes said he expects Benzema to extend beyond his June 2026 contract, despite mixed reports and Benzema’s own non-committal stance. Planes claimed Benzema wants to stay for the “serious project” and strong squad. Benzema previously said he is focused on football with six months left and left contract decisions to others.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
January 2026
Shearer said it would be “very strange” for United to reappoint Solskjaer after already sacking him, even as talks are reportedly planned about an interim role post-Amorim. He argued United’s issues are too deep for a recycled fix, suggested using a short-term caretaker like Fletcher or Carrick, then targeting a strong permanent manager in summer after the World Cup market settles.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
January 2026
Reports claim Solskjaer is in talks to return as United’s interim manager after Amorim’s exit, with details emerging on a proposed pay package. Norwegian outlet claims United see him as a cheaper caretaker option, with wages suggested at £50,000–£60,000 per week plus bonuses tied to outcomes like Champions League qualification.
Nuno Espirito Santo
January 2026
West Ham officials are reportedly furious with Nuno after he smiled and embraced Forest players on the pitch following a damaging 2-1 defeat that left West Ham seven points from safety. Senior figures viewed the optics as naive given the relegation fight and winless run, believing any reunions should have happened privately. The reaction adds to doubts over results, tactics and dressing-room mood.
Gabriel Martinelli
January 2026
Martinelli will not face further FA punishment after a late flashpoint in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool, where he pushed Bradley while Bradley was down injured. The referee booked Martinelli during the match and logged it in his report, which normally closes the case for retrospective action. Martinelli later apologised, saying he misread the situation.
