In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through European football, Ruben Amorim's anticipated move to Manchester United has collapsed entirely following his controversial trip to London for talks with West Ham.
The Sporting CP manager, once considered the leading candidate to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, has seen his Manchester United prospects vanish after the club's hierarchy grew alarmed by his conduct during the final stages of the Portuguese season.
Secret London Meeting Proves Costly
Amorim's decision to fly to England for undisclosed discussions with West Ham United representatives has backfired spectacularly. The clandestine meeting, which occurred just days before Sporting's crucial league match against Porto, demonstrated what United officials perceived as poor judgement at a critical moment in the season.
The timing could hardly have been worse - with Sporting battling for the Liga Portugal title, their manager's attention appeared divided, raising serious questions about his priorities and professionalism.
Title Collapse Compounds Problems
Sporting's dramatic 2-0 defeat to Porto proved catastrophic, not just for their title hopes but for Amorim's reputation. Watching from the stands as his team crumbled, the 39-year-old coach could only watch as Benfica capitalized on Sporting's failure to secure the championship.
The double blow of losing the title and damaging his managerial credibility has left Amorim in a precarious position, with his future at Sporting now uncertain despite having a contract until 2026.
United's Managerial Search Takes New Direction
With Amorim effectively ruling himself out of contention, Manchester United have shifted their focus to other candidates. The developments come amid growing speculation that current manager Erik ten Hag might yet retain his position despite a challenging season.
United's new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and incoming CEO Omar Berrada are understood to be conducting a thorough review of the managerial situation, with Amorim no longer part of their considerations.
What Next for Amorim?
The Portuguese manager now faces an uncertain summer. Having previously been linked with several top European clubs including Chelsea and Liverpool, his stock has undoubtedly fallen after recent events.
While West Ham might still represent a potential destination, the London club's failure to secure European football next season makes them a less attractive proposition for a manager of Amorim's alleged ambitions.
For now, the man who looked destined for one of football's biggest jobs finds himself facing questions about his judgement and future direction, serving as a cautionary tale about how quickly fortunes can change in the volatile world of football management.
