Manchester United's quest for a new manager has been thrown into fresh chaos after top target Ruben Amorim dramatically withdrew from the race. The Sporting Lisbon boss was widely seen as the frontrunner to replace Erik ten Hag but has now ruled himself out of contention.
Amorim's Shock Withdrawal from Old Trafford Race
The 39-year-old Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim informed United's hierarchy of his decision, dealing a significant blow to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS-led overhaul. Amorim, who has a €20 million release clause in his Sporting contract, was reportedly unsettled by the public nature of United's search and the prolonged uncertainty surrounding current boss Erik ten Hag.
This development follows the collapse of talks with another primary candidate, England manager Gareth Southgate. With Amorim now out of the picture, Manchester United's football leadership must swiftly pivot to alternative options as they plan for a crucial summer.
Xavi Emerges as a Surprise Leading Contender
In a stunning twist, former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has emerged as a serious candidate for the hot seat at Old Trafford. The Spanish legend is set to leave Barcelona this summer despite a recent upturn in form, making him available.
United's new decision-makers, including incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth, are understood to be admirers of Xavi's philosophy and his experience managing a giant club under intense pressure. His availability on a free transfer, without a compensation fee, adds to his appeal as the Red Devils weigh up a major appointment.
Other Names in the Frame for United Job
The managerial shortlist at Old Trafford remains fluid. Alongside Xavi, other potential candidates include:
- Roberto De Zerbi: The Brighton boss is highly regarded but comes with a significant compensation package.
- Thomas Frank: The Brentford manager's work has impressed the INEOS team.
- Thomas Tuchel: The outgoing Bayern Munich coach is available but may have other suitors.
The situation remains precarious for current manager Erik ten Hag. His fate is likely to be decided after the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25th. A victory at Wembley could yet strengthen his position, but the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League has severely weakened it.
What This Means for Manchester United's Future
This latest episode highlights the challenging and often public nature of Manchester United's restructuring process. The failure to secure Amorim, following the Southgate setback, raises questions about the clarity and execution of the club's plan.
Turning to Xavi would represent a bold and somewhat unexpected move. It would signal a desire to implement a possession-based, attacking style of football, but also carries risk given his limited experience outside of Barcelona. The coming weeks are critical as Sir Jim Ratcliffe aims to make his first major footballing decision since acquiring a significant stake in the club.
One thing is certain: the managerial saga at Old Trafford is set to dominate headlines throughout the summer, with the club's direction for the next era hanging in the balance.
