Pressure is mounting at an alarming rate at Old Trafford, with Erik ten Hag's future as Manchester United manager hanging by a thread. A dismal season has forced the club's new hierarchy, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, to draw up contingency plans, and a surprising new candidate has emerged.
Sporting Lisbon's highly-rated manager, Ruben Amorim, has been added to a star-studded shortlist of potential replacements, according to exclusive reports. The 39-year-old Portuguese tactician, who famously broke Porto and Benfica's dominance to win the Primeira Liga with Sporting, is now being seriously considered for the hot seat.
A Growing List of Candidates
Amorim is not the only big name in the frame. The United board is reportedly compiling an extensive list to ensure they are prepared for any eventuality. This list is understood to include:
- Gareth Southgate: The current England boss has a strong relationship with INEOS's Sir Dave Brailsford and is a long-standing candidate.
- Graham Potter: The former Brighton and Chelsea manager remains out of work and is admired for his project-building capabilities.
- Thomas Tuchel: The ex-Chelsea boss will leave Bayern Munich in the summer, making him an immediately available option with proven Premier League and Champions League pedigree.
Why Amorim? The Appeal of the Portuguese Prodigy
Amorim represents a different profile to the other contenders. He is seen as one of Europe's most exciting young coaches, renowned for his dynamic, attacking style of play and his ability to develop young talent—a philosophy that would resonate with the new United project. His success on a relative budget at Sporting demonstrates a shrewd tactical mind and an ability to compete against financially superior rivals.
However, any move would come with a significant cost. Amorim's contract contains a release clause believed to be in the region of £12.8 million, a substantial fee for a manager that United would have to pay on top of severance for Ten Hag.
The Final Verdict on Ten Hag
Despite the behind-the-scenes manoeuvring, a final decision on Ten Hag's fate is not expected imminently. The club's new leadership is committed to conducting a full and thorough end-of-season review. This process will analyse every aspect of a campaign plagued by inconsistency, dramatic collapses, and an alarming number of goals conceded.
The outcome of the FA Cup final against Manchester derby rivals City is also likely to be a major factor. While winning the cup may not be enough to save his job, a respectable performance and showing of progress could yet buy the Dutchman more time.
For now, Ruben Amorim's name is firmly in the mix, signalling that Manchester United are preparing for a new era, with or without Erik ten Hag.
