Manchester United have identified Fulham's Marco Silva as a potential new head coach, with the Portuguese manager stalling on a new contract at Craven Cottage. The Red Devils are expected to wait until the summer to make a permanent appointment following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
Silva's Contract Dilemma Attracts United's Interest
According to reports, Fulham are bracing themselves for an approach from Manchester United for their highly-regarded manager. The key factor in United's interest is Silva's current contractual situation. His existing deal expires at the end of this season, and despite a new three-year contract being on the table from Fulham, the 48-year-old has not yet provided a response.
Silva has consistently dismissed questions about his future, stating he will only make an announcement when there is concrete news. It is widely believed that he has reservations about whether Fulham's ambitions match his own, casting significant doubt over his long-term stay in West London.
Interim Solutions and a Summer Shake-Up
With a permanent boss unlikely to be installed immediately, United are preparing for an interim solution. Under-18s manager Darren Fletcher will take charge for Wednesday's Premier League clash away to Burnley at the very least. The club is considering a temporary appointment until the season concludes, with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer open to returning in a caretaker capacity. Fletcher's prospects for the role could also be boosted if he impresses in the coming days.
The main managerial hunt, however, is focused on the summer. Silva has now joined a growing list of candidates believed to be in contention for the permanent role at Old Trafford. Other names linked include Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner, former Barcelona coach Xavi, and ex-Chelsea managers Enzo Maresca and Mauricio Pochettino.
Amorim's Explosive Exit Paves the Way
The search was triggered by the dismissal of Ruben Amorim on Monday, after just 18 months in the job. His departure followed a reported falling out with the club's hierarchy. In his final act as United boss after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United, Amorim launched a remarkable public rant.
He explicitly stated his frustration at not being granted more control, saying: "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United." He directly referenced other high-profile managers like Thomas Tuchel, Antonio Conte, and Jose Mourinho, while also criticising the influence of pundits like Gary Neville on the club's decision-making.
This dramatic exit has left Manchester United in a familiar state of flux, with the club now meticulously planning its next move, with Marco Silva emerging as a serious new contender in their long-term thinking.
