Next Manchester United Manager Odds - Ruben Amorim favourite to be next manager
Manchester United are in search of a new manager after sacking Erik ten Hag due to a disappointing start to the season, with Ruud Van Nistelrooy stepping into the manager's shoes on an interim basis.
A controversial and deflating loss to West Ham on Sunday left Manchester United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, with only one win in their last five league games. Following this defeat, Ten Hag was informed of the club’s decision on Monday morning. His fellow Dutchman, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had joined Ten Hag's staff during the summer, has been named the club's interim manager and is currently in prime position to take on the reigns full-time.
Ten Hag was appointed as United's manager ahead of the 2022/23 season and initially showed promise, leading United to a third-place finish in the league and securing the Carabao Cup in his first year. However, his tenure had turbulent moments, including a crushing 7-0 defeat to Liverpool in March.
Who is Ruben Amorim?
A former midfield player who spent the bulk of his time with Portuguese sides Belenenses and Benifia before retiring in 2016 after a short stint out on loan at Qatar side Al-Wakrah.
Amorim began his managerial career with Casa Pia in 2018, moving to Braga in 2019. In 2020, he joined Sporting CP, where he led the team to its first league title in 19 years during the 2020-2021 season—a feat that also earned him Primeira Liga’s Manager of the Year award.
His innovative tactics, emphasizing defensive discipline and youth development, have turned Sporting into a formidable contender in Portugal. Key signings like striker Viktor Gyökeres, along with the integration of academy talents such as Gonçalo Inácio, have strengthened the squad’s depth and versatility.
Under Amorim’s leadership, Sporting has consistently challenged domestic rivals Benfica and Porto, winning multiple Tac da Liga titles and finishing at the top end of the Primeira Liga..He has elevated Sporting’s profile in European competitions, where the team has showcased competitive performances in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, further establishing Amorim as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches.
The pressure on Ten Hag mounted early in his second season, as United suffered four losses in their opening seven matches, including defeats at home to Brighton and Crystal Palace. With United’s league position in freefall, speculation grew, and club ownership reportedly began speaking to other managerial candidates. Ten Hag was granted a brief reprieve to lead United into the FA Cup final against Manchester City, following a controversial win in the semi-final over Championship side Coventry City. However, heavy losses to Liverpool and Tottenham, combined with a poor Europa League start, ultimately led to his departure.
With Van Nistelrooy as interim manager, the hunt for Ten Hag’s permanent successor is underway. While the former United striker was seen as the early favourite to secure the position on a long-term basis, it now looks as if Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim could be the chosen one. Could this also be a route to bringing Viktor Gyökeres to the Premier League?
Whether United's Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to appoint a manager quickly or let Ruud van Nistelrooy have to Christmas or longer remains to be seen.