- Manchester United are getting closer to naming Amorim as their next coach
- The club would consider two unemployed bosses along with the Portuguese
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Ruben Amorim was reportedly one of three managers Manchester United considered to replace Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman was sacked as Red Devils manager on Monday morning after two and a half years in charge, although speculation over his future at the club has been rife for months.
A number of candidates have been touted for the United dugout in recent weeks as the club’s poor form continued, with former England manager Gareth Southgate even rumoured.
But according to The AthleticThere were three other candidates – besides Amorim – more seriously considered for the position. They claim that former Juventus coach Max Allegri, former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic and Barcelona legend Xavi came up in talks between club officials.
Additionally, Thomas Tuchel, who held talks with Ineos boss and United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the summer, was not considered, leading to him accepting the job as England manager this month.
Former Juventus coach Max Allegri was reportedly one of the coaches considered to replace Erik ten Hag.
Edin Terzic, who led Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season, was another manager who emerged in the talks.
The club’s new management team discussed a number of candidates when the decision was made to explore the option of replacing Ten Hag.
The trio of coaches occupy quite different positions in the European elite coaching landscape. Allegri is undoubtedly the most successful, winning six Serie A titles and reaching two Champions League finals, but the 57-year-old Italian has only managed Juventus, for two spells, in the last decade.
And the second period, which lasted only three seasons and ended in the summer, produced only one Italian Cup during a tumultuous time in Turin.
He was reportedly considered someone less likely to build a long-term project.
Meanwhile, Terzic has only been head coach for four years after taking over at Borussia Dortmund, initially on an interim basis, and winning the German Cup in his first season.
The 41-year-old led Dortmund to their first European Cup final in more than a decade in June, where they were beaten by Spanish giants Real Madrid. In addition to losing to the 15-time winners in a Champions League final, both Allegri and Terzic are currently without a club.
So is former Barcelona coach Xavi, who led his former club to the LaLiga title in 2022, although he was reportedly not a serious consideration for the club.
United’s refusal to restart talks with Tuchel, which had failed in the summer, was a win for England as the FA reached an agreement with the German to become manager on an 18-month contract.
Instead, they acted quickly to secure the services of Amorim, who has led Sporting CP to four cup wins and two league titles in four seasons at the club.
Thomas Tuchel was not considered on this occasion, leading him to accept the England job.
The Red Devils are getting closer to the appointment of Sporting CP coach, Rubén Amorim
The Portuguese club confirmed in a statement to the market on Tuesday afternoon that they had been approached by the Premier League giants. The note added that United had “expressed interest” in paying the 39-year-old’s release clause.
However, while United are happy to honor that clause, they are currently negotiating when Amorim will be able to start what will be a huge job at Old Trafford.
Amorim has a notice period of “several weeks rather than days.” There is a chance he will not be able to take charge until United travel to Ipswich Town on November 24.
