Manchester United's search for a new sporting director has taken a sensational and unexpected turn, with the club making a surprise approach for Sporting Lisbon's highly-rated manager, Ruben Amorim.
The move comes amidst growing chaos at Old Trafford, where the club's transfer strategy is being publicly called into question by club legend Gary Neville. The former defender did not hold back, branding a potential move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte as a act of sheer 'panic'.
Neville's Scathing Assessment of United's Transfer Chaos
Speaking on his podcast, Neville launched a brutal critique of the club's direction under the new INEOS regime. He expressed major concerns that the club is lurching from one target to another without a coherent plan, a worrying sign so early into Sir Jim Ratcliffe's tenure.
'The Ugarte link… it feels like panic,' Neville stated. 'It feels like, 'We need a player, we need a player, get me a player'. Who is making the decision on Ugarte? Is it the coach? Is it the new technical director? Is it the new CEO? Nobody knows.'
Amorim: The Shock Sporting Director Target
In a stunning development, it can be revealed that United's hierarchy have sounded out Amorim about a role that would see him join as sporting director, not as a manager. This approach shows the club's desperation to bring top-tier football minds into the structure, though it is considered a long shot.
The 39-year-old Portuguese coach is one of Europe's most sought-after managers after breaking Benfica's dominance to win two league titles with Sporting. He has a €20m release clause in his contract, making a move for his services extremely expensive.
The Ugarte Saga and Ten Hag's Uncertain Future
The pursuit of PSG's Manuel Ugarte appears to be a point of major internal conflict. While the Uruguayan midfielder is a target, it remains unclear if he is a player chosen by the incoming Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox, or by the current management.
This confusion is emblematic of a wider issue at the club. The future of current manager Erik ten Hag remains shrouded in doubt following a dismal Premier League season. The Dutchman is still awaiting a definitive decision on whether he will be in charge next season, further complicating any transfer plans.
United's summer is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal and chaotic in recent memory, with a power struggle behind the scenes threatening to derail their rebuild before it has even begun.
