In a stunning development that could signal the end of Erik ten Hag's turbulent reign at Old Trafford, Sporting Lisbon's highly sought-after manager, Ruben Amorim, has been locked in secret discussions with Manchester United's hierarchy.
The Mirror can exclusively reveal that the 39-year-old Portuguese tactician, fresh from clinching the Liga Portugal title with Sporting, met with United representatives last week. This clandestine summit has sent shockwaves through the football world, directly challenging the future of the current Red Devils boss.
Ten Hag's Position Under Severe Threat
The meeting represents the most concrete signal yet that the new INEOS-led regime, spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is actively exploring alternatives for the dugout. Despite Ten Hag securing an FA Cup final berth, a dismal Premier League campaign has left the Dutchman's position perilously insecure.
Amorim, lauded for his dynamic, attack-minded philosophy and impressive track record in Portugal, has emerged as the frontrunner should United decide to pull the trigger. His potential appointment would mark a significant new direction for the club.
The Amorim Appeal: Why United Are Interested
So, what makes Ruben Amorim such an attractive prospect for the Manchester United hot seat?
- Proven Winner: He has broken the dominance of Porto and Benfica to deliver two league titles for Sporting.
- Attacking Football: His teams are renowned for their high-press, aggressive, and entertaining style of play.
- Youth Development: Amorim has a stellar reputation for improving young players, aligning perfectly with the club's traditional ethos.
However, any move would not be straightforward. Amorim's contract contains a substantial release clause, believed to be in the region of £12.8 million, a fee United would have to negotiate or pay in full.
What This Means for Erik ten Hag
For Erik ten Hag, this news is a devastating blow. While publicly the club may preach patience, behind-the-scenes moves to sound out a replacement severely undermine his authority. His fate likely hinges on securing Champions League qualification—a near-impossible task through the league—and potentially even winning the FA Cup.
The coming weeks at Old Trafford are set to be dominated by intense speculation, with the future of its management hanging in the balance.
