Sir Jim Ratcliffe's grand plan to revitalise Manchester United has been dealt a crushing blow, with the club's pursuit of top managerial target Ruben Amorim collapsing in dramatic fashion.
The highly-rated Sporting Lisbon boss was widely considered the leading candidate to potentially succeed the under-pressure Erik ten Hag at the Old Trafford helm this summer. However, crucial talks between Amorim's representatives and the United hierarchy have broken down, leaving the INEOS-led project in a state of flux.
Amorim's Demands and the Breakdown
According to exclusive reports, the negotiation stalemate centres on the 39-year-old manager's substantial demands. Amorim, who has a €20m release clause in his Sporting contract, was seeking a significant financial package to make the move to the Premier League.
It is understood that the prospective deal unravelled during discussions over the structure and length of the proposed contract. This failure to agree terms has forced the United board to abruptly abandon their pursuit and look elsewhere in their search for a new leader.
What's Next for United's Manager Hunt?
With the Amorim avenue now closed, the spotlight intensifies on the future of current boss Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman's position remains precarious following a dismal second season, but the lack of a clear successor makes his departure less certain.
The search for a new manager is a cornerstone of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS's strategy to restore the club to its former glory. This very public setback is a major embarrassment for the new part-owner, who is keen to make a bold statement of intent during his first summer at the footballing helm.
Attention will now likely turn to other candidates, with England boss Gareth Southgate also frequently linked with the role. United fans are left waiting anxiously, hoping this early stumble doesn't define a critical summer transfer window.
