In a stunning twist to the Premier League's managerial saga, Ruben Amorim's anticipated move to Manchester United has dramatically collapsed. The highly-coveted Sporting Lisbon manager, once considered a frontrunner for the Old Trafford hot seat, is now set for a seismic switch to one of United's direct rivals.
Mirror Football can exclusively reveal that the Red Devils' interest in the 39-year-old Portuguese tactician has cooled significantly. This unexpected U-turn has sent shockwaves through the football world and completely reshuffled the deck for one of Europe's most sought-after coaches.
Anfield or Allianz Arena? The New Destinations
With the door at Old Trafford swinging shut, two European behemoths have surged to the forefront of the pursuit. Amorim is now firmly on the radar of Liverpool, who are preparing for life after the legendary Jurgen Klopp. Additionally, German giants Bayern Munich, soon to be without Thomas Tuchel, have entered the race, setting the stage for a monumental tug-of-war.
This development places immense pressure on current United boss Erik ten Hag. Despite an FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry City, the Dutchman's future remains shrouded in doubt following a dismal Premier League campaign. The club's new hierarchy, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, is conducting a thorough end-of-season review, with the manager's position a central point of discussion.
Why United's Interest Faded
Several factors are understood to have contributed to the collapse of Amorim's proposed move to Manchester. The club's new decision-makers are reportedly undertaking a much broader and more meticulous process than initially anticipated. While Amorim's reputation is impeccable, having broken Benfica and Porto's stranglehold on the Liga Portugal title with Sporting, the fit was ultimately deemed not quite right for the project at Old Trafford.
This leaves the path clear for other suitors. Liverpool's search for a Klopp successor has been well-documented, with Amorim's name consistently mentioned alongside favourites like Arne Slot. Bayern Munich's need for a rebuild after a trophyless season makes them another incredibly attractive option for a manager ready to take the next step in his career.
What Comes Next for Ten Hag and Amorim?
For now, Erik ten Hag remains in situ, fighting to secure a strong finish and FA Cup glory to salvage a difficult season. However, the continued speculation around his job, compounded by Amorim's availability elsewhere, suggests a summer of significant change is inevitable for one of Europe's biggest clubs.
All eyes will now be on Anfield and the Allianz Arena. Where Ruben Amorim, the man who seemed destined for Manchester, will ultimately end up is now one of the summer's most captivating storylines.
