In a stunning twist to the Premier League's managerial merry-go-round, Ruben Amorim's anticipated move to Manchester United has dramatically collapsed. The highly-rated Sporting CP boss, once considered a frontrunner for the Old Trafford hot seat, is now set for talks with two of European football's other titans.
From Manchester to Merseyside: A Sudden Change of Fortune
The Mirror can exclusively reveal that Amorim's proposed switch to United is completely off the table. Instead, the 39-year-old Portuguese tactician is now firmly in the sights of both Liverpool, who are seeking a successor for Jürgen Klopp, and German giants Bayern Munich.
This development deals a significant blow to Manchester United's future planning and raises major questions about the current position of Erik ten Hag.
Why Did the Manchester United Deal Fall Through?
According to top-level sources, the structure of the potential deal ultimately proved to be the sticking point. While the specifics remain confidential, it's understood that the negotiations between Amorim's representatives and the Old Trafford hierarchy reached an impasse, leading to a total breakdown.
This leaves United's new minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and his INEOS team back at square one in their search for a potential new leader, should they decide to move on from Ten Hag.
Liverpool and Bayern Munich Enter the Fray
With the path to Manchester now closed, the door has swung wide open for Amorim's other suitors. Liverpool's search for a new manager has been a focal point of the football world since Klopp's announcement of his departure.
Amorim, renowned for his attractive, attacking style of play and his success in breaking Benfica and Porto's dominance in Portugal to win the Liga Portugal title with Sporting, fits the profile of a modern, progressive coach that both Liverpool and Bayern traditionally desire.
Bayern Munich's interest adds another layer of intrigue. The Bavarian club will be without Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season and are conducting a wide-ranging search for a new manager, with Amorim now a serious candidate.
What This Means for Erik ten Hag
For current Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, this news could be interpreted as a brief respite. The constant speculation linking the club to other managers has cast a shadow over his tenure. The collapse of a move for a primary target like Amorim might temporarily strengthen his position, but it does not eliminate the underlying pressure following a disappointing season.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the managerial landscape across Europe, with Ruben Amorim suddenly at the centre of a new transfer tug-of-war.
