In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Manchester United's much-publicised pursuit of Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has spectacularly collapsed. The Mirror can exclusively reveal that the highly-touted Portuguese coach will NOT be taking over at Old Trafford this summer.
The development represents a stunning reversal in United's managerial search, with new minority owners INEOS now reportedly considering a sensational return for former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Amorim Deal That Never Was
United had identified Amorim as their primary target to potentially replace current manager Erik ten Hag, whose position remains under intense scrutiny following a disappointing Premier League campaign. The 39-year-old Sporting boss had emerged as the frontrunner after impressive work in Portugal, where he guided Sporting to their first league title in 19 years during the 2020-21 season.
However, negotiations have completely broken down, leaving United's hierarchy scrambling for alternatives as they prepare for a crucial summer rebuild.
Solskjaer's Shock Return Considered
Most astonishingly, INEOS officials are now understood to be weighing up an emotional return for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the fan favourite who was sacked in November 2021. The Norwegian remains a popular figure among supporters and maintains strong relationships with several key players in the dressing room.
Solskjaer's potential reinstatement would represent one of the most remarkable comebacks in Premier League history, though sources suggest this remains just one of several options being considered by the new ownership group.
What This Means for Ten Hag
The collapse of the Amorim pursuit raises immediate questions about Erik ten Hag's future. The Dutchman has faced mounting pressure throughout a difficult season, though United's dramatic FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry City has kept hopes of silverware alive.
With INEOS conducting a thorough end-of-season review, Ten Hag's fate now appears increasingly uncertain, particularly with alternative candidates already being sounded out behind the scenes.
United's Managerial Conundrum
This latest development highlights the complexity of United's current situation. The club finds itself at a critical crossroads, with INEOS determined to implement a new football structure but facing limited appealing options in the managerial market.
Other potential candidates including Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel have been linked, but neither appears to be a straightforward appointment, leaving the door ajar for Solskjaer's potential fairytale return.
As the season approaches its conclusion, all eyes will be on the Old Trafford boardroom as one of English football's biggest clubs faces yet another pivotal decision about its future direction.
