Big name managers Manchester United could appoint for free this summer

Man United are on the hunt for a new manager to replace Ruben Amorim

After having to fork out a reported fee of £10 million to terminate Ruben Amorim's contract earlier this week, it appears as though the Red Devils are keen to avoid facing another financial setback over his replacement.

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Similarly to the process for signing new players, if Man United were to approach a manager currently in work, they would likely be forced to pay out the remainder of the manager's existing contract, or a negotiated release clause.

To avoid this costly scenario, the Red Devils look to be waiting out until the summer when a host of the world's best coaches reach the end of their contracts.

Alongside those coaches with contracts expiring in the next six months, there are plenty more world-renowned managers out of work right now, like the recently freed-up Enzo Maresca, or former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, who should still be available in six months time.

To save you from the time-consuming task of researching the end date of each top manager's contract, we've gone to the effort of compiling a comprehensive list below.

Who could Manchester United appoint for free this summer?

Oliver Glasner - The Crystal Palace manager has worked wonders at Selhurst, winning the club's first trophy in a generation during last season's FA Cup triumph.

Thomas Tuchel - The Champions League-winner with Chelsea is only under contract with England up to the end of the 2026 World Cup, so should he fail to secure the Three Lions's first silverware since 1966, he's likely to become available.

Julian Nagelsmann - The Germany head coach may have signed an extension earlier this month, but the new deal includes a break clause, so should he, like Tuchel, fail to deliver progress at the World Cup, he could become available in the summer.

Mauricio Pochettino - USMNT head coach Poch won't be going anywhere ahead of the North American World Cup but his contract does expire at the end of the tournament. The Argentine was heavily linked with the Red Devils as a replacement for Solksjaer back in 2021, and has recently expressed his desire to return to, and win, the Premier League.

Carlo Ancelotti - The Italian managerial legend will lead Brazil into this year's World Cup, but much like Tuchel and Pochettino, he will be available for a new role afterwards. Carlo's CV needs no introduction, and with Real Madrid he twice transformed unstable dressing rooms into Champions League winning sides, could he do the do the same at Old Trafford?

Enzo Maresca - With the Blues, Maresca managed to win both the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup before behind-the-scenes tension ended his tenure prematurely. Per the Manchester Evening News, He has direct ties with both man united director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, as both were involved in the Manchester City project during the Italian's time at there.

Andoni Iraola - The Bournemouth manager has consistently performed beyond his means on the English south coast. After inheriting a relegation-threatened side in 2023, last season the Spaniard went on to lead a push for European places, before the Cherries finished comfortably in 9th. Imagine what he could achieve with serious backing.

Marco Silva - The Fulham head coach has fantastic Premier League experience with Hull, Watford, and Everton, and is now surely due his opportunity to impress at a big club. Could Man United opt to take a chance on the Portuguese, when his contract at Craven Cottage expires in the summer?

Gareth Southgate - The former Three Lions manager has been out of work since leaving St George's Park last year. He has shown incredible leadership in the past, so could be the man to properly unite this Man United group into real winners.

Zinedine Zidane - Zizou has been available since the conclusion of his second Real Madrid spell in 2021. The Red Devils will have to move fast to secure his agreement however. He is said to be keen to take over the French national team.