In a stunning revelation that could rewrite recent Manchester United history, club legend Wayne Rooney has dropped a bombshell claim about the Red Devils' managerial search before Erik ten Hag's appointment.
The former England captain, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, revealed that Sporting Lisbon's highly-rated manager Ruben Amorim was actually offered to Manchester United before the club settled on their current Dutch boss.
The Road Not Taken
"I know for a fact that Ruben Amorim was offered to Manchester United before they appointed Ten Hag," Rooney stated unequivocally. This revelation suggests United's path could have taken a dramatically different direction, potentially altering the club's recent trajectory.
The Portuguese manager, who has guided Sporting to domestic success and earned plaudits across Europe for his tactical acumen, represents one of the most intriguing 'what if' scenarios in recent Premier League history.
Amorim's Rising Stock
At just 39 years old, Amorim has built an impressive reputation as one of football's most promising young managers. His work at Sporting Lisbon has attracted attention from several top European clubs, with his release clause reportedly standing at a substantial £17 million.
Under his leadership, Sporting claimed their first league title in 19 years during the 2020-21 season, playing an attractive, progressive style of football that has drawn comparisons with some of Europe's elite tactical systems.
Ten Hag's Turbulent Tenure
The revelation comes at a particularly sensitive time for Erik ten Hag, who has experienced a rollercoaster period at Old Trafford. While the Dutchman delivered Champions League qualification and ended the club's trophy drought with last season's Carabao Cup victory, recent performances have raised questions about United's long-term direction.
Rooney's comments will inevitably fuel speculation about what might have been had United pursued the Amorim option more aggressively.
Broader Managerial Landscape
The discussion around Amorim's availability forms part of a wider conversation about managerial movements in the Premier League. Rooney also weighed in on Liverpool's search for Jurgen Klopp's successor, suggesting that Amorim would represent an excellent appointment for the Merseyside club.
With several top clubs potentially in the market for new managers this summer, Amorim's name appears set to dominate headlines in the coming months.
This behind-the-scenes insight from Rooney provides fascinating context to Manchester United's recent decision-making processes and raises compelling questions about alternative futures that might have unfolded at Old Trafford.
