Manchester United's chaotic search for a new manager has taken another sensational twist, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe performing a dramatic U-turn on Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim following significant fan opposition.
Fan Power Forces Change of Direction
The INEOS billionaire had identified the highly-rated Portuguese coach as a serious candidate to replace Erik ten Hag this summer. However, Mirror Football can reveal that Ratcliffe has now completely abandoned the pursuit after becoming aware of the substantial backlash from the Old Trafford faithful.
Amorim had emerged as the leading alternative to primary target Gareth Southgate, but United supporters made their feelings abundantly clear about the potential appointment through various channels and platforms.
Tuchel Emerges as New Front-Runner
With the Amorim option now off the table, former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has surged to the forefront of United's thinking. The German tactician is available after confirming his departure from Bayern Munich and represents an experienced, trophy-winning alternative.
United's new hierarchy, led by Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, are determined to make the right appointment this summer as they embark on a major rebuild of the football operations.
Southgate Situation Remains Complex
While England manager Gareth Southgate continues to be admired by Ratcliffe and key figures within the new structure, the practical complications of his current contract with the Football Association present significant obstacles.
Southgate remains fully focused on leading England at this summer's European Championship in Germany, meaning any approach would likely need to wait until after the tournament concludes.
The sudden shift in strategy highlights the fluid nature of United's search and the influence that supporter sentiment now carries under the Ratcliffe regime.
