New Delhi: Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim has emerged as the front runner to become the next manager of Manchester United after they sacked Dutchman Erik ten Hag following a poor start to the season.
Under ten Hag, Man United won only three of their nine opening matches of the English Premier League, losing four times to be placed a lowly 14th in the standings.
He was booted out following a 1-2 defeat to West Ham on Sunday as the club decided that they are far away from their desired place despite splashing substantial money in the transfer market before the start of the 2024-25 season.
They have won only one of their last eight games across competitions forcing the club to hand over the reins to club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, a member of Ten Hag’s coaching staff, on an interim basis.
Multiple news reports in England have suggested that United have identified Amorim as the successor to ten Hag. The 39-year-old is regarded as one of Europe’s leading coaches and is currently in charge of Sporting Lisbon.
United have already held discussions with Amorim and are willing to to trigger his release clause, reports Sky Sports.
Amorim was one of the names that Liverpool considered once Jurgen Klopp announced his departure but instead Dutch coach Arne Slot got the job.
Ten Hag helped United win the FA Cup last season that helped him keep the job and even got a one-year contract extension to June 2026.
But his position was on shaky ground after the team showed little improvement from last season as injuries to key players, scant impact of expensive signings and absence of a definite playing style led to a number of deflating results.
However, ten Hag has fiercely defended his record as under him United ended a six-year trophy less spell when they won the 2023 League Cup.
