Manchester United in Ruben Amorim talks following Erik ten Hag's dismissal

Dutchman ten Hag's time as manager at United came to an end as the team languished in 14th place in the English Premier League table. The team suffered their fourth defeat in nine league games at West Ham on Oct 27, leading to his departure.

Despite substantial dealings in the transfer market before this season, one of the world’s wealthiest clubs have won only one of their last eight games in all competitions.

Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, a member of ten Hag’s coaching staff, was named interim boss and would be in charge when they host Leicester City in the League Cup fourth round on Oct 30.

According to multiple British media reports, on a permanent basis United want to turn to Amorim, the 39-year-old Sporting Lisbon manager who is considered one of Europe’s leading young coaches.

reported United had held discussions with him and are prepared to pay his release clause.

Amorim was linked with the manager’s role at Liverpool following the departure of Jurgen Klopp in 2024, but Dutch coach Arne Slot headed to Anfield instead.

As things are yet to be official, it was understandable that the Portuguese brushed aside the latest United rumour when he was asked about it.

“I’m not going to talk about my future because if I say yes or no, I’ll have to comment (further). I’m very proud to be the coach of Sporting, that’s all,” he said on Oct 28 ahead of their Portuguese League Cup match against Nacional.

If Amorim does join United, he will have to inherit many of ten Hag’s players.

The Dutchman was further backed in the transfer market this past summer with the signings of Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, taking the total spent in his reign to over £600 million (S$1.03 billion), nearly half of which went on former Ajax players.

Yet early hope this season evaporated as Liverpool and Tottenham coasted to 3-0 wins at Old Trafford in September.

Former United captain Gary Neville said ten Hag had paid the price for an “unacceptable” league position.

“The big shock for me is how bad they’ve been with the new signings that have come in,” he told .

“The fact that they are 14th is unacceptable. You can’t be in 14th after nine or 10 games with the level of spend that’s occurred without being under significant pressure – and that’s what’s happened.”

Ex-England striker Alan Shearer said ten Hag had been “a dead man walking” as soon as it was revealed United had talked to other potential managers in the summer.

For all ten Hag’s faults, he oversaw just a small period of United’s more general decline since legendary former manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Since the Scot’s departure, five permanent managers have now been dismissed without United even challenging for the Premier League title – a trophy they won 13 times under Ferguson.

United captain Bruno Fernandes led the wishes for ten Hag following his sacking.

“Thanks for everything boss! I appreciate the trust and the moments we shared together, I wish you all the best in the future,” said the Portuguese.

“Even knowing the last period hasn’t been great from all of us I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager has done for our club!”

Meanwhile, Brentford boss Thomas Frank, who is another of United’s managerial targets, said that he “feels for Erik”.

“He is a great coach and has a great career. He did a good job at Man United, two trophies in two years,” he said.

“At these big clubs, there are massive expectations but there has to be a reality check... you feel for guys who lose their jobs and I am sure Erik gave everything.” AFP,