Pressure is mounting at Old Trafford as Manchester United's disastrous season could see them miss out on European football altogether, potentially forcing the club's hierarchy into a dramatic managerial change.
According to reports, the Glazers and INEOS have identified Sporting Lisbon's highly-rated manager Ruben Amorim as a prime candidate to replace the under-fire Erik ten Hag. The 39-year-old Portuguese tactician has emerged as one of Europe's most sought-after coaches after leading Sporting to a likely Primeira Liga title.
A Season Unravelling at Old Trafford
The speculation comes at a critical time for Ten Hag, whose second season in charge has spectacularly failed to build on the promise of his first. United's humiliating 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday night was a new low, leaving the club languishing in eighth place in the Premier League.
With only three games remaining, United's chances of qualifying for the Champions League are mathematically over. Their hopes of securing a Europa League spot are also hanging by a thread, requiring both a miracle finish and rivals Newcastle and Chelsea to collapse.
The Amorim Appeal
Ruben Amorim represents the modern, progressive style of management that United's new minority owners, INEOS, are believed to desire. His work at Sporting, implementing an attractive, attacking, and disciplined system, has drawn comparisons to a young Jose Mourinho.
However, prising him away from Lisbon will not be cheap. Amorim's contract contains a release clause valued at around €15 million (£12.9 million), a significant financial outlay for a club already conscious of Profit and Sustainability Rules.
The Final Verdict
The club's decision is expected to hinge on the final three games of the season and the outcome of the FA Cup final against Manchester City. Failure to win the cup and secure a Europa League place could spell the end for Ten Hag's project.
For now, the Dutchman remains focused on the immediate task, but the shadow of Ruben Amorim looms large over the Theatre of Dreams, signalling that patience is wearing thin and a new era could be on the horizon.
