Mancini As Amorim Replacement At Manchester United? Why He’s Back In The Frame
Could the former Manchester City boss link up with their arch rivals?
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 06 January 2026
Roberto Mancini has been mentioned as an outsider for the Manchester United job after the club sacked Ruben Amorim on Monday.
Why Roberto Mancini to Manchester United rumours have resurfaced
Manchester United confirmed Amorim’s departure after 14 months, just a day after their 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
The Portuguese coach appeared to aim a pointed remark at senior club figures at his post-match press conference.
He said he wanted to work as a manager, “not the coach”. He also said he would be looking to leave in 18 months’ time.
Obviously that won’t happen now, with Amorim having been fired and Darren Fletcher installed as his interim successor.
Calciomercato has mentioned Mancini’s name in round-ups of possible successors, alongside other candidates from across Europe.
However, there is no public indication of contact between Man United and the former Manchester City and Inter boss.
Mancini was first linked by a British tabloid in October, claiming he had told friends he could be a candidate if United made a change.
Amorim’s dismissal has restarted that cycle, with every elite vacancy prompting fresh speculation around managers with big CVs.
Mancini would fit the bill as he is a high-profile candidate and a proven winner with Premier League experience.
Roberto Mancini told the players WHAT before they won the league!? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/gj3O4i96Im
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 31, 2025
Mancini’s compatriot, former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, is among the immediate favourites.
Another Italian, Roberto De Zerbi, is also reportedly in the frame for the Manchester United job.
Other names to feature prominently on the rumour mill include Oliver Glasner, Gareth Southgate and Xavi.
Why a deal for Mancini looks unlikely
The main stumbling block involving Mancini is the fact he has only recently taken on a new role.
He was appointed head coach of Qatari giants Al-Sadd in November 2025 on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
Walking away within weeks is not impossible, but it would require a major break clause, agreement from Al-Sadd, and a strong personal push.
Mancini’s CV is not in doubt. He has won three Serie A titles with Inter and led Italy to Euro 2020. He could certainly do a job at Old Trafford.
However, leaving Al-Sadd so quickly could damage relationships in Qatar. It would raise questions about his commitment, especially so soon after taking the role.
Just as importantly, United may prioritise a coach who fits their existing recruitment structure, after Amorim’s exit highlighted tensions behind the scenes.
Elsewhere, Amorim’s sacking could cause problems regarding Roma’s pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee and Napoli’s Kobbie Mainoo push.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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