In a surprising twist, Sporting Lisbon's highly-rated manager Ruben Amorim has emerged as a serious candidate to take over at Manchester United should the club part ways with Erik ten Hag.
The 39-year-old Portuguese tactician, who led Sporting to their first league title in 19 years during the 2020-21 season, is being closely monitored by United's new football hierarchy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS ownership.
Why Amorim Appeals to United
Amorim's progressive coaching philosophy and track record of developing young talent align with United's long-term vision. His teams are known for their attacking flair and high-intensity pressing - qualities that have been notably absent at Old Trafford this season.
The former Benfica midfielder has rebuilt his reputation after a difficult spell at Braga, transforming Sporting into title challengers while operating on a modest budget compared to Portugal's traditional giants.
The Ten Hag Situation
Current United boss Erik ten Hag remains under pressure despite winning last season's Carabao Cup. The Red Devils have struggled for consistency this campaign, with their Champions League exit before Christmas particularly damaging.
While no final decision has been made on ten Hag's future, the club's new leadership is understood to be assessing all options as they look to implement a clear footballing structure.
Competition for Amorim's Signature
United aren't the only European giants monitoring Amorim's situation. The Portuguese coach has also been linked with:
- Barcelona as they plan for life after Xavi
- Chelsea as they continue their managerial search
- Liverpool as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp
Sporting would demand his €20m release clause be paid in full, making this one of the more expensive managerial appointments if United pursue their interest.
With the summer approaching fast, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see whether they make a bold move for one of Europe's most exciting young managers.
