Manchester United's search for a new manager has hit a significant stumbling block as prime target Rúben Amorim has officially withdrawn from consideration for the Old Trafford hotseat.
Portuguese Prodigy Pulls Out of United Race
The highly-rated Sporting Lisbon manager, who had emerged as a leading candidate to potentially replace Erik ten Hag, has informed United that he will not be pursuing the position this summer. This development comes as a major blow to the Red Devils' hierarchy as they conduct their end-of-season review.
Amorim's decision leaves United with limited options as they evaluate ten Hag's future following a disappointing Premier League campaign that saw the team finish eighth, their worst performance in the Premier League era.
What This Means for Ten Hag's Future
The Dutch manager's position remains precarious despite Saturday's FA Cup final victory against Manchester City. United's new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are conducting a thorough assessment of the football operations, with the managerial situation being a key component.
With Amorim now out of the picture, United may be forced to reconsider their stance on ten Hag. The former Ajax boss still has one year remaining on his contract and the FA Cup win has provided him with some leverage in discussions about his future.
Alternative Options for United
Other potential candidates include:
- Gareth Southgate: The England manager has been linked but remains focused on Euro 2024
- Thomas Tuchel: Recently departed Bayern Munich and available immediately
- Mauricio Pochettino: Available after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent
- Thomas Frank: Brentford manager admired for his work with limited resources
The decision is expected to be made in the coming days as United look to resolve their managerial situation before the summer transfer window opens.