Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester City, Manchester United
Josh Lawless
A former Manchester City manager could be a contender to replace Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, according to sensational reports.
A win over Sunderland last time out eased pressure on Amorim but that could soon change if a damaging defeat against Liverpool happens at Anfield on Sunday.
A number of managers have been tipped as candidates to replace Amorim at United, with Oliver Glasner and Gareth Southgate both heavily linked.
However a surprise name has been added to the mix, as per a new report from The Sun.
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According to journalist Martin Blackburn, former City boss Roberto Mancini has been telling friends he could be in contention if United do opt to relieve Amorim of his duties.
Mancini, who spent three-and-a-half years in Manchester with rivals City, has been on a break from management ever since leaving his position as manager of the Saudi Arabia national team.
Before that he managed the Italian national side and led them to Euro 2020 success with victory over England in the final at Wembley.
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The ex Galatasaray, Inter Milan and Zenit St Petersburg manager took the City job in December 2009 and went on to lead City to their first trophy in 34 years when they won the FA Cup - beating United in the semi-final before defeating Stoke City in the 2011 final.
A year later, Mancini led City to a first league title in 44 years - finishing ahead of United on goal difference thanks to Sergio Aguero's last goal against QPR.
Mancini, who also steered City to a memorable 6-1 victory over United in 2011, was sacked in 2013 following defeat in the FA Cup final to Wigan.
The 60-year-old is still beloved by City supporters, with many seeing him out and about when they took the trip to Monaco for the Champions League clash.
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The Italian resides in the South of France and is understood to have met United's minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe at social functions.
His ties to City are strong and managing United would completely change what the sky blue side of Manchester think of him.
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In history, only one manager has managed both City and United. Ernest Mangnall led United to their first major honours in a nine-year stint before he went on to take the reigns at City in 2012.
Though results have been poor, Ratcliffe hinted at giving Amorim plenty more time to turn things around at United, telling The Times’ Business Podcast: "He has not had the best of seasons. Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be.”