Ruben Amorim looks set to be the latest name tasked with taking the reins as permanent manager in the Old Trafford hot seat as Manchester United looks to move from the Erik ten Hag era.
The 39-year-old has helped transform the fortunes of Sporting Clube de Portugal since he arrived from Braga in March 2020 – bridging an almost 20-year gap in guiding them to a first league title.
He built on this achievement by following up with further success in winning the Taca da Liga in successive seasons and delivered a second Primeira Liga crown last term.
Having watched on with envy for almost two decades as city rivals Benfica and FC Porto dominated domestically, Sporting fans will be indebted to their manager for turning the tide and bringing genuine success back to the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
Manchester United rumours
After United’s controversial defeat at West Ham last Sunday, Dutch boss Ten Hag ultimately paid the price for a poor start to the season.
Despite the constant scrutiny surrounding his position, the news about the former Ajax supremo departing still felt out of the blue.
Assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has assumed interim control as speculation over the club’s next move naturally accelerated.
The Athletic reported late on Monday evening that the 20-time English champions were indeed in talks with the Sporting tactician about becoming the club’s 6th permanent manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The Manchester club were linked with Amorim in the past as a potential Ten Hag successor, but names like Thomas Tuchel, Xavi, Edin Terzic, and Thomas Frank all cropped up in recent weeks as possible candidates.
Securing Amorim could prove to be a coup for Red Devils
United’s best-in-class leadership team, led by Omar Berrada, have identified Amorim as their man.
They are said to be currently locked in talks with Sporting and attempting to agree on a compensation fee to secure their man – with an apparent release clause said to be in the region of €10 million also mooted.
The former Braga head coach has been touted as the natural heir to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City – whilst he also held talks with Liverpool about becoming Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
He was coveted by West Ham and engaged with the Londoners in April before deciding to stay with his current club.
Leoes have started this season in superb form, winning their first nine domestic fixtures and impressing in the Champions League.
The young tactician is charismatic and appears to be a strong character. Furthermore, his leadership skills have been impressive alongside his brand of intense, attacking football.
He has a track record of promoting youth players, which is seen as an attractive feature at a club like United.
Manchester United project a huge challenge – but it’s a risk worth taking
The task of returning the three-time European Champions to the very top of the game will be monumental.
However, the prospect of being the man to finally get it right and restore this great club to its former glory is surely an opportunity too good to turn down.
The new leadership structure at Old Trafford will help things smoother – restoring football to the club’s core.
An agreement is close
The board view Amorim as the right personality to lead the team into a new era, and whilst a deal isn’t wrapped up just yet, there is confidence within the hierarchy that an agreement can be concluded soon.
If United manage to secure the Lisbon native as their new manager in the coming days or weeks, then they will have poached one of the best up-and-coming young coaches in European football right now, and that is an exciting prospect.
What are your thoughts on Manchester United’s pursuit of Ruben Amorim and the club’s sacking of Erik ten Hag?
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