Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim as a prime candidate to take over as manager after Erik ten Hag’s departure. The 39-year-old Portuguese coach is in talks with United, who sacked Ten Hag following a rocky start to the season, sources revealed on Tuesday.
The search also includes Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Fulham’s Marco Silva. Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been named interim manager.
Ten Hag’s tenure came to an end after Sunday’s 2-1 loss to West Ham left United languishing at 14th in the Premier League, despite heavy summer investments. In recent games, United managed only one win in eight matches, putting them far from contention. United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, who retained Ten Hag last season, has faced criticism for the club’s lack of progress.
Amorim, who has delivered two Portuguese titles with Sporting since 2020, expressed pride in his current role but declined to comment on speculation linking him to Old Trafford. Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler praised Amorim’s “incredible football,” describing the young manager as a standout tactician.
Ten Hag joined United in 2022, ending the club’s trophy drought with a League Cup win and an FA Cup final appearance. However, injuries, high-priced signings like Antony, and an inconsistent playing style ultimately led to his departure. His exit continues United’s struggle for stability since Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, with five managers having come and gone since the legendary coach’s era.
