Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ambitious overhaul at Manchester United has hit a significant roadblock, with the club's pursuit of a new manager becoming increasingly complex. Despite Erik ten Hag's FA Cup final victory providing a temporary reprieve, the INEOS chief is actively scouring the market for a replacement, but his top candidates are proving difficult to secure.
The Zidane Conundrum
A move for French legend Zinedine Zidane is considered the ultimate coup. However, the former Real Madrid boss has previously expressed reservations about managing in England without fluent English, making him a long-shot appointment for the Old Trafford hot seat.
Brighton's Stance on De Zerbi
Brighton & Hove Albion's highly-rated Italian coach, Roberto De Zerbi, is another name high on the list. Yet, any approach for him would require United to negotiate a substantial compensation package with the Seagulls, adding another layer of complexity to the deal.
Amorim's New Commitment
In a further blow to United's plans, Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim—a manager once heavily linked with the job—has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the Portuguese champions. This declaration effectively rules him out of the running, narrowing Ratcliffe's options considerably.
The Southgate Speculation
England manager Gareth Southgate has also been mentioned as a potential candidate, favoured for his alignment with Dan Ashworth's potential sporting director vision. However, his current focus remains entirely on the upcoming European Championship with the national team.
With pre-season preparations looming, the pressure is mounting on Ratcliffe and his team to make a decisive move. The delay risks destabilising the club's transfer strategy and its plans for a fresh start, leaving the future of Manchester United's dugout in a state of tense uncertainty.
