14 April 2023 , 23:00
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Chelsea managerial target Ruben Amorim previously appealed for Manchester United to make a move for Erik ten Hag before the Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford.
The former Ajax head coach became Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’s permanent replacement at the club in the summer following the disastrous stint of Ralf Rangnick. He has enjoyed an excellent impact with the Red Devils since then.
They are in the midst of a challenge for a place in the top four and could potentially boast three trophies come the end of the campaign. United have already lifted the Carabao Cup, whilst they are also still in the Europa League and FA Cup.
The appointment of Ten Hag appears to have been the correct decision by the club’s hierarchy but he might never have arrived at the club had it not been for a reference from current Sporting Portugal boss Amorim.
The 38-year-old was initially linked with a move to Old Trafford but previously suggested that Ten Hag was the ideal candidate to take the reins. Speaking in November 2021, he said: "If I may, I think Manchester United should sign Ten Hag this week. Now that would be something that would make me quite happy."
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Despite not moving to Manchester, Amorim continues to be linked with a switch to the Premier League. Tottenham have been rumoured to be considering him, whilst Chelsea have reportedly held talks as they continue their search for Graham Potter’s permanent successor.
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However, he has reaffirmed that he remains happy at the Estádio José Alvalade. He said: “I have a contract with Sporting for another three years and, in my head, it’s imagining being champion at least once more during these three years.”
Amorim has regularly impressed with Sporting since he arrived from Braga in March 2020. In the time since, he has won the Portuguese league title, two Portuguese cups and a Portuguese Super Cup.
He is under contract with the club until 2026. Whilst he is linked with the Blues, it appears that he is only one of a number of options.
Former Spain and Barcelona boss Luis Enrique remains linked, whilst Julian Nagelsmann could still be in the running to take over. In the meantime, interim boss Frank Lampard will be aiming to get Chelsea back on track before the end of the season.
Since returning to Stamford Bridge for his second spell in charge of the club, the iconic former midfielder has yet to win a game. The Blues lost to Wolves in Lampard’s second managerial debut for the club.
They then followed that up with a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the first-leg of the two side’s Champions League quarter-final showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu.