02 November 2023 , 21:52
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Manchester United have identified Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag is under pressure from the United hierarchy after his side lost 3-0 to Newcastle at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup. United have lost eight of their 15 games this season and doubts have been raised over Ten Hag’s leadership, with Amorim and Zinedine Zidane the two managers in the frame.
Amorim, 38, is one of the youngest coaches operating at a high level in Europe. Sporting are top of the Primeira Liga with eight wins and one draw from their opening nine games. He has been consistently linked with a move to the Premier League, with United, Chelsea and Tottenham all keeping tabs on his progress.
Ten Hag is reportedly on ‘thin ice’ after getting thrashed at home by Newcastle and Manchester City twice in four days. United are therefore considering alternatives ahead of crucial games against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday and Copenhagen in the Champions League next week.
Amorim was only 36 and a year into his time at Sporting when he was first on United’s radar when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021. Amorim, a former team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo, was asked about United ahead of a Champions League game against Ajax, who were managed by none other than Ten Hag.
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Amorim told reporters in 2021: “We are talking about rumours here. I was clear about my future last week. Several names were thrown around. Therefore, they’re rumours that I don’t give much attention to. However, if I may, I think Manchester United should sign Ten Hag this week. Now that would be something that would make me quite happy.”
He was speaking with his tongue firmly in his cheek, aiming to quickly deflect the question, but the answer certainly looks ironic now, with Ten Hag now on the ropes. Amorim won plaudits by claiming the league title in his first full season at the helm and Sporting’s first since 2002.
Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure at Old Trafford (Getty Images) HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Ruben Amorim be a good fit for Manchester United? Comment below.
Amorim has won 118 out of 172 games at Sporting and may be ready to move to the Premier League. Pep Guardiola is a fan and described Amorim as “one of the best” coaches in the game.
Speaking after being linked to Chelsea amid Graham Potter’s struggles, Amorim said: “Regarding the compliments, of course it’s always good to hear, but my reality goes through white handkerchiefs last week and a season far below what I wanted. Even linking to the comment that was made, the results dictate everything. What happens around the game does not matter.
“I don’t want to open doors to England. I’ve already had some contacts and I’ve always said and I’ll say again that I’m very happy here. What I don’t want is to disappoint my supporters, who last week showed their displeasure with the coach. I don’t want to open other doors.”