Man Utd ‘in talks’ to hire new manager just hours after sacking Erik ten Hag

Manchester United have reportedly identified their preferred candidate to replace Erik ten Hag.

On Monday, Ten Hag was sacked by United, a statement said: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.”

Former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been put in interim charge as the club begin their search for a new permanent boss.

Just hours after sacking the Dutchman, it has been claimed that United are already working on a replacement.

The likes of Thomas Frank, Julian Nagelsmann, Zinedine Zidane and Gareth Southgate have all been linked with the role but it has emerged that Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim could be the preferred traget.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein wrote on social media: “ EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United working on deal to appoint Ruben Amorim as head coach. #MUFC ready to pay €10m release clause + in talks with #SportingCP to finalise. 39yo Portuguese open to accepting move.”

The report stated: “Manchester United are working on a deal to appoint Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim as their new head coach.

“United are ready to pay the €10million (£8.3m) release clause in his contract with the two clubs in talks to finalise a deal that could see Ruud van Nistelrooy take interim charge before Amorim’s arrival.”

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Prior to United's interest, Amorim was linked with fellow Premier League clubs like Liverpool and West Ham during the summer. However, no deal materialised and the Portuguese stayed with Sporting.

So far in his career, the 39-year-old has led Sporting to two Primeira Liga titles, two Tacas da Liga and one Supertaca Candido de Oliveira.