In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, Manchester United's pursuit of Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has spectacularly collapsed, with the Red Devils performing a stunning U-turn on Erik ten Hag's future.
The Mirror can exclusively reveal that Amorim, who had emerged as the leading candidate to replace the under-fire Dutchman, will NOT be taking over at Old Trafford this summer after emergency talks between the club's new hierarchy.
INEOS Executes Brutal Strategy Shift
The dramatic reversal comes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS team conducts a comprehensive review of the club's football operations. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that the new power brokers at United have cooled significantly on the prospect of sacking Ten Hag after initially identifying Amorim as their primary target.
The 39-year-old Portuguese manager had been extensively scouted and was considered the ideal candidate to overhaul United's playing style, but the INEOS team has now pulled the plug on what would have been one of the summer's biggest managerial moves.
What Changed for Ten Hag?
Several factors appear to have influenced this remarkable change of heart:
- Improved performances in recent weeks despite ongoing injury crises
- Financial considerations regarding compensation for both Ten Hag and Amorim
- Structural changes within the club's hierarchy reducing pressure on immediate managerial success
- Player support for the current manager behind the scenes
The decision represents a significant vote of confidence in Ten Hag, who has faced relentless speculation about his position throughout a challenging season.
Amorim's European Stock Continues to Rise
Despite the collapsed United move, Amorim remains one of Europe's most sought-after managers after guiding Sporting to their second league title in four years. The former Benfica player has attracted attention from several top clubs across the continent with his dynamic, attacking philosophy and impressive track record of developing young talent.
"This isn't the end of Amorim's chances of managing in the Premier League," a source close to the manager revealed. "He remains ambitious about testing himself in England when the right project emerges."
For now, Manchester United fans are left with more questions than answers as the club's new era under INEOS leadership continues to take unexpected turns.
