In a move that encapsulates the current state of affairs at Old Trafford, betting giant Paddy Power and a former Premier League chairman have joined forces to publicly ridicule Manchester United's faltering pursuit of managerial target Ruben Amorim.
The Tweet That Started It All
The spectacle began when Paddy Power's official Twitter account posted a mock apology, directly addressing the Sporting Lisbon boss. "Sorry Ruben Amorim," the tweet read, feigning regret for linking the highly-rated manager to the tumultuous job at United.
The tweet was a masterclass in sarcasm, implying that association with the United job was a punishment in itself. It didn't take long for the post to go viral, amassing thousands of likes and retweets from amused football fans.
A Former Chairman Adds Fuel to the Fire
The mockery didn't stop there. Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan, never one to mince his words, wholeheartedly endorsed the joke on his popular talkSPORT show. Jordan dissected the situation, pointing to the sheer absurdity of United's drawn-out and very public manager hunt while current boss Erik ten Hag remains in post.
Jordan's analysis was scathing, suggesting the club's indecisive and leaky approach has made them a laughingstock, a point perfectly underlined by Paddy Power's very public jest.
Erik ten Hag's Limbo Continues
At the heart of this very public embarrassment is the unresolved future of Erik ten Hag. Despite overseeing a disastrous Premier League campaign, the Dutchman secured a memorable FA Cup victory against rivals Manchester City.
This success has seemingly thrown United's hierarchy into a state of paralysis. The club's new INEOS-led leadership, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Omar Berrada, are conducting a protracted end-of-season review, leaving ten Hag in a state of purgatory and the club exposed to criticism.
Amorim's Stance and United's Dilemma
Amid the chaos, reports suggest Ruben Amorim himself is growing increasingly frustrated with the constant rumours. Having previously been a frontrunner for the Liverpool job, the 39-year-old is now seemingly wary of being drawn into another public Premier League saga.
For Manchester United, the episode is a massive PR failure. It highlights a lack of decisiveness and strategic direction, allowing the club to become the butt of the joke for a betting company and pundits alike. The longer the review drags on, the more the club's reputation suffers, making the task of attracting a top-tier manager like Amorim even more difficult.
