In a dramatic twist to Manchester United's search for a new era, Sporting CP's highly-rated manager Ruben Amorim has surged onto the shortlist to potentially replace Erik ten Hag. The seismic shift in strategy is being driven by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group, which is now calling the shots on football operations at Old Trafford.
INEOS Shakes Up United's Managerial Hunt
The previous front-runner, England gareth Southgate, appears to have slipped down the pecking order as the new hierarchy, led by INEOS' Sir Dave Brailsford and incoming CEO Omar Berrada, casts a wider net. Their search is now firmly focused on the dynamic, attack-minded coaches currently thriving in European football.
Amorim, the 39-year-old prodigy who masterminded Sporting's first league title in 19 years, fits that profile perfectly. His high-press, possession-based philosophy has drawn comparisons to some of the game's great modern tacticians.
Why Amorim is a Top Contender
The Portuguese coach's stock has never been higher. Beyond breaking Benfica and Porto's domestic dominance, he has proven his ability to develop young talent and operate successfully within a structure—a key quality Ratcliffe's team is prioritising.
However, prising him away from Lisbon won't be straightforward or cheap. His contract contains a release clause believed to be in the region of £13 million, a significant fee for a manager.
The Competition for the Hot Seat
Amorim is not the only name in the frame. Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi remains a firm favourite for his transformative work on the south coast, while Germany's Julian Nagelsmann is also admired by the new regime.
The future of current boss Erik ten Hag hangs in the balance. A failure to secure Champions League football, coupled with a style of play that has often drawn criticism, has left his position increasingly vulnerable despite last season's Carabao Cup triumph.
One thing is certain: the winds of change are blowing fiercely through the corridors of Old Trafford, and a new captain may soon be at the helm.
