The Athletic FC Podcast Ask Ornstein: Man United's next manager + likely January transfers
21 snips
Jan 6, 2026 
David Ornstein, a senior football journalist at The Athletic, and Carl Anka, a football correspondent, dive into the chaos at Chelsea and Manchester United with the swift departures of Maresca and Amorim. They discuss why elite managers still pursue high-profile jobs despite structural issues. The duo explores United's confusion over its sporting structure, potential interim options, and long-term managerial searches. Additionally, they dissect Manchester City's transfer targets like Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi, alongside Arsenal's strategy for the window.
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Big Jobs Stay Attractive
- Big clubs still attract top candidates despite apparent meddling or lack of control at board level.
- David Ornstein warns these jobs remain 'plump' and will be fought over by managers.
Two Quick Fallouts In Manchester
- Ruben Amorim and Enzo Maresca both accepted head coach roles and later clashed with hierarchies over control.
- Ornstein links their exits to growing egos and disputes over remit and power.
Sporting Directors Limit Coaches
- Club structures with sporting directors limit head coach authority and provoke clashes.
- Ornstein says coaches must accept the club model or perform extraordinarily to change it.