The year 2026 has barely settled in, yet it has already delivered a flurry of managerial sackings across Europe’s biggest clubs. Softfootball has reported that Enzo Maresca was dismissed on New Year’s Day, Rúben Amorim left Manchester United on January 5, and Xabi Alonso parted ways with Real Madrid on January 12.
The rapid exits have sparked what many are calling an early-year “sacking spiral,” with attention now shifting from why they were dismissed to where they could resurface next.
Before his dismissal, Enzo Maresca had been linked with a potential move to Manchester United as a long-term replacement for Pep Guardiola. At the time, Maresca publicly played down the rumours, insisting he was fully focused on his Chelsea role. However, with his availability now confirmed, speculation is expected to resurface, especially among clubs seeking a tactically progressive coach.
For Rúben Amorim, the road back to elite management appears more challenging. Appointed in 2024, the Portuguese coach managed just a 39% win rate at Manchester United. Those numbers alone may make top clubs hesitant, and Amorim could be forced to rebuild his reputation away from the spotlight before landing another major job.
Xabi Alonso’s situation, however, is markedly different. we previously highlighted that his dismissal at Real Madrid was less about poor results and more about internal issues, particularly dressing-room harmony. Statistically, Alonso’s record compares favourably with both Maresca and Amorim, making him an attractive option despite his recent exit.
Given his profile and tactical reputation, Alonso is already being tipped as a prime target for clubs like Manchester United or Chelsea should they opt for a fresh start.
As the managerial carousel continues to spin, we will keep tracking developments closely, but early signs suggest Xabi Alonso may be the quickest of the three to return to a top job.
