In a stunning twist to Manchester United's ongoing managerial saga, the club's pursuit of Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has dramatically collapsed, with captain Bruno Fernandes breaking his silence on the speculation surrounding his international teammate.
The Mirror can exclusively reveal that Amorim, who was heavily linked as a potential replacement for under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag, will not be making the move to Old Trafford this summer. This development comes after extensive talks between the Portuguese coach and United officials ultimately failed to reach a conclusion.
Fernandes Breaks Silence on Managerial Speculation
United skipper Bruno Fernandes, who shares the Portugal national team dressing room with Amorim, has now publicly addressed the swirling rumours for the first time. While expressing respect for his compatriot, Fernandes made his support for current manager Ten Hag abundantly clear.
'I know Ruben as a person and as a coach,' Fernandes revealed. 'He's a really good coach, but it's not my job to decide on that. I'm focused on supporting the manager we have now.'
What Went Wrong in Amorim Pursuit?
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that several factors contributed to the breakdown in talks. While Amorim's impressive work at Sporting Lisbon, including their 2021 Primeira Liga title win, had made him an attractive candidate, disagreements over transfer policy and backroom staff appointments proved insurmountable.
The 39-year-old manager had been considered one of the leading contenders should United decide to part ways with Ten Hag following a challenging season. However, with this door now closed, attention turns to the Dutchman's future and whether he will be given more time to implement his long-term vision at the Theatre of Dreams.
Ten Hag's Position Strengthened?
The collapse of the Amorim pursuit, coupled with Fernandes' public backing, may have inadvertently strengthened Ten Hag's position ahead of a crucial summer. The United hierarchy now face a pivotal decision: stick with the current manager or explore alternative options in an increasingly limited market.
With pre-season preparations looming and transfer window activity set to intensify, United's leadership must provide clarity on their managerial direction sooner rather than later. For now, at least, it appears Ten Hag retains the confidence of his captain and key players as he looks to build on the progress made during his tenure.
