Former England player names the perfect coach to replace Amorim at MU

Ex-footballer Joe Cole has called for MU to sack Ruben Amorim after their 3-1 defeat to Brentford in the 2025/26 Premier League. Cole even pointed out the ideal replacement for the Portuguese manager for the Red Devils' board to consider.

MU continued to disappoint by losing 3-1 away to Brentford despite being highly rated before the match under Ruben Amorim. Taking advantage of MU’s defensive errors, Igor Thiago scored twice within 20 minutes in the first half, before Benjamin Sesko gave the visitors hope with his first Premier League goal.

Shortly after, MU’s captain Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty to equalize in the second half, before Mathias Jensen sealed Brentford’s 3-1 victory in stoppage time. With this loss, Amorim has earned only 34 points from 33 Premier League matches, and MU have yet to achieve consecutive wins in the league since last season.

Joe Cole, a former renowned midfielder and once a favorite pupil of Jose Mourinho, expressed doubts about Amorim’s ability to turn things around at Old Trafford, especially as the Portuguese coach has shown stubbornness, inflexibility, and a reluctance to listen to advice.

Therefore, Cole believes an immediate change is the best outcome for MU both now and in the future. The former England star even named ex-Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate as the top candidate to replace Amorim.

When asked if he believed Amorim could reverse MU’s fortunes, Cole gave a firm answer to TNT Sports: "No, I don’t think so. He’s had enough time to do what he wanted. The squad has been strengthened but clearly, the problem isn’t just Ruben Amorim; there are many other issues at the club.

MU failing to win two consecutive Premier League games under Amorim is a major concern. In my opinion, they need a different direction—one that is more decisive and ruthless. I think Gareth Southgate is perfect for this job, considering his ability to build culture and understand players. They chose Amorim and it seems ineffective. Without change, MU will likely remain stuck like this.”