Man Utd: Amorim's 'Joke' Falls Flat
Manchester United's pursuit of Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim appears to have hit a wall, with the Portuguese coach seemingly dismissing the Red Devils' interest as a "joke".
Following a disappointing 2022/23 season, Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the new campaign. One of his key targets was believed to be Amorim, who has impressed at Sporting, winning the Portuguese league title in 2021 and 2023.
However, in a recent interview, Amorim seemed to play down the links with United, suggesting the rumors were simply "a joke." He stated that he was "happy" at Sporting and had "no intention" of leaving the club.
Amorim's comments will undoubtedly come as a blow to United's hopes of landing the highly-rated manager. The Red Devils had been considered frontrunners for his signature, with reports suggesting they were prepared to offer a significant compensation package to Sporting.
The Portuguese manager's apparent disinterest could be down to several factors. He may feel he has unfinished business at Sporting, where he has built a strong team and a winning mentality. Alternatively, he may be hesitant about the challenges of managing a club as demanding as Manchester United, particularly considering the club's recent struggles.
Whatever the reason, Amorim's dismissal of the United links leaves Ten Hag facing an uphill battle in his search for a new manager. The Dutchman is now likely to turn his attention to alternative targets, with Mauricio Pochettino, Erik ten Hag, and Luis Enrique all reportedly being considered.
The failure to land Amorim highlights the difficulties United are facing in attracting top talent. The club's struggles in recent seasons have undoubtedly damaged their reputation, making it harder to convince top players and managers to join their ranks.
With the new season fast approaching, Ten Hag will need to act quickly to secure the services of a manager who can help him turn the tide at Old Trafford. The club's fans are desperate for a return to the glory days, and a new manager is seen as a crucial step in that direction.
Whether Ten Hag can find the right man to lead the team to success remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the search for a new manager is now more important than ever for Manchester United.