Former Manchester United and England striker Michael Owen has sent shockwaves through the football world with a stunning claim about Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim's potential move to Old Trafford.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Hold My Back Pocket Podcast, Owen revealed that Amorim had previously expressed significant interest in taking the helm at the Premier League giants, suggesting the highly-rated Portuguese coach would have been "really keen" on the position.
The Managerial Merry-Go-Round Intensifies
This revelation comes at a critical juncture for Manchester United, with current manager Erik ten Hag facing mounting pressure after a challenging season. The Red Devils' inconsistent form has sparked intense speculation about potential changes in the dugout, with several high-profile names being linked to the role.
Owen's comments add substantial weight to the Amorim rumours, positioning the 39-year-old tactician as a serious contender should United decide to make a change. Amorim has built an impressive reputation at Sporting, leading them to their first league title in 19 years during the 2020-21 season.
What Makes Amorim So Appealing?
The Portuguese manager's attractive, attacking style of football and proven track record of developing young talent align perfectly with Manchester United's traditional values. His success in breaking Porto and Benfica's dominance in Portugal has not gone unnoticed by Europe's elite clubs.
Key factors that make Amorim an attractive candidate:
- Proven track record of winning trophies
- Attractive, attacking philosophy
- Excellent youth development credentials
- Experience in European competitions
- Strong leadership qualities
The Ten Hag Conundrum
While Amorim emerges as a potential candidate, Erik ten Hag continues to fight for his position. The Dutch manager guided United to Carabao Cup success last season and secured Champions League qualification, but this campaign has presented significant challenges.
With new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS taking control of football operations, the managerial situation remains fluid. The coming weeks are likely to prove decisive in determining United's direction ahead of the 2024-25 season.
As the speculation continues to build, Michael Owen's insider knowledge has added another fascinating layer to one of football's most watched managerial sagas. United fans will be watching developments closely as the club's hierarchy weighs up their options for the future.
