Man Utd: Amorim's 'Joke' Misses Mark, Fears Out
Manchester United's pursuit of Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has hit a snag, with reports suggesting the Portuguese tactician is no longer considered a viable candidate for the Old Trafford hot seat.
Amorim's name was initially floated as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag, sparking excitement amongst the Red Devils faithful. The 38-year-old boasts an impressive resume, having led Sporting to a league title and Portuguese Cup triumph in 2021, and achieving a remarkable Champions League quarter-final appearance in 2023.
However, recent developments have cooled United's interest. The Portuguese manager's initial comments regarding the potential move were widely perceived as dismissive and disrespectful. Amorim jokingly described the rumors linking him to Man Utd as "fake news," adding, "I'm happy at Sporting, I love this club."
While intended as a humorous deflection, Amorim's words seem to have backfired, leaving United officials with the impression that he wasn't genuinely interested in the position.
Further dampening the prospects of a move are the reported financial demands of Amorim and Sporting CP. The club is seeking a hefty compensation package for their manager, a figure that United are reluctant to pay, particularly in light of the manager's dismissive comments.
With the clock ticking and the summer transfer window nearing its end, United are now focused on alternative options. Names like Luis Enrique and Mauricio Pochettino remain in contention, with each bringing their own strengths and weaknesses to the table.
It seems that Amorim's "joke" has ultimately missed the mark. His nonchalant dismissal of the potential move has likely cost him a chance at managing one of the world's most prestigious clubs.
The Premier League giants are now looking elsewhere for their next manager, leaving Amorim to continue his journey at Sporting CP. Whether this is a temporary setback or a missed opportunity remains to be seen, but for now, the Portuguese manager's dream of taking over at Old Trafford appears to have been dashed.