Two immediate Italian candidates for Manchester United after Amorim sacking

Two Italians are reportedly in the running for the recently-vacated head coach position at Manchester United, including the early frontrunner according to Monday’s reports. 

Manchester United are in need of a new head coach after parting company with Ruben Amorim on Monday morning. The Portuguese held his post for 14 months, but was dismissed following a pair of disappointing draws against Wolves and Leeds, and after one final post-match rant during his press conference on Sunday night. 

According to Monday’s initial reports, Enzo Maresca is among the frontrunners to step into the vacant managerial position at Old Trafford. 

The 45-year-old, who previously worked under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before spells as head coach of Leicester City and Chelsea, is also available after leaving his job on New Year’s Day. He has also been linked with a future move to replace his former boss Guardiola once the Spaniard steps down at Manchester City. 

Maresca is one of several early frontrunners for the United job, in a shortlist that also includes former England head coach Gareth Southgate, Barcelona legend Xavia and Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner. 

Unai Emery, Andoni Iraola, Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are also among the early candidates. According to reports from Calciomercato.com, there are also a few early outside punts, including Zinedine Zidane and former Italy national team head coach Roberto Mancini.