In a stunning twist to Manchester United's search for a new manager, prime target Ruben Amorim has publicly denied any agreement to take over at Old Trafford. The Sporting CP boss delivered a firm rebuttal to swirling rumours, throwing the Red Devils' succession plans into chaos.
The highly-rated Portuguese coach addressed the media ahead of Sporting's match against Porto, explicitly shutting down reports of a pre-contract deal. "There was no interview or agreement with any club," Amorim stated, directly contradicting claims that he was set to replace the under-pressure Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag's Uncertain Future
This development leaves current boss Erik ten Hag in a precarious position. The Dutchman's future has been the subject of intense speculation following a disappointing Premier League campaign. Despite winning the Carabao Cup last season and reaching the FA Cup final, inconsistent league form has placed his job in serious jeopardy.
United's new minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and his INEOS team are conducting a thorough end-of-season review. This process was widely expected to result in Ten Hag's dismissal and Amorim's appointment, but the latter's emphatic denial has now disrupted that narrative.
Who Else is in the Frame?
With the Amorim deal appearing dead in the water, attention turns to other potential candidates. The list of possible replacements includes:
- Gareth Southgate: The England manager has been heavily linked but remains focused on Euro 2024.
- Thomas Frank: The Brentford boss is admired for his work on a limited budget.
- Roberto De Zerbi: The Brighton manager's attractive style of play has impressed many.
- Thomas Tuchel: The outgoing Bayern Munich boss is available and has Premier League experience.
This public setback is a significant embarrassment for the United hierarchy, suggesting a potential leak in their negotiation process or a deliberate change of heart from the manager himself.
What Happens Next?
All eyes now turn to the FA Cup final against Manchester City. A victory at Wembley could yet provide Ten Hag with a lifeline, offering a glorious end to a otherwise turbulent season and potentially convincing the INEOS team to stick with their current manager.
The coming weeks promise to be crucial in determining the direction of one of the world's biggest football clubs, with the manager's office at the heart of the storm.
