Manchester United have placed Cesc Fabregas, a manager who has been described as Europe's next elite coach, on their shortlist as a potential replacement for Ruben Amorim, according to reports in Italy.
Despite playing down suggestions that they have started looking for successors to replace the under-pressure Amorim, United have been linked with a handful of names of late.
Last week, a report from talkSPORT suggested United have already drawn up a three-man shortlist of potential replacements should the club decide to part ways with the Portuguese head coach.
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Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was listed as one of the contenders on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s shortlist alongside Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola and former England boss Gareth Southgate.
Graham Potter, who was recently sacked by West Ham, is also said to appeal to the hierarchy.
And now, the highly-rated Cesc Fabregas has been identified as someone who could take over at Old Trafford following his superb start to life at Serie A side Como.
That's according to Italian outlet Corriere Como, who claim Fabregas is seen by United as 'the symbol of the project', and someone who has instilled 'modern play, organisation and the development of talent' within the Italian outfit.
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Many have praised Fabregas of late, including analyst Ben Mattinson. "I tried telling you about Cesc Fabregas. One of the most impressive coaches in the world," he said back in February.
"Tactically outclassed Palladino, Motta, Inzaghi, Conceição, Gasperini, Vanoli Italiano etc. Coached players to perform at a higher level than their ability. The next elite coach."
Fabregas, who played for Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea before moving into management, helped Como achieve their highest-ever finish as they came 10th in Serie A last season, winning 13 games.
Cesc Fabregas tipped to follow in the footsteps of Mikel Arteta
As mentioned above, many have praised Fabregas' managerial nous, including Como's head of development Osian Roberts, who has also worked as the Spaniard's assistant in Italy.
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“I have worked with and mentored a few bright young coaches, Mikel, Patrick, Thierry, Pep Lijnders. But Cesc is certainly in the top category. He wants to be a head coach in the future," he told The Sun in 2024.
“This is the perfect scenario for him as he only finished playing last summer but he gets the opportunity to coach and present as an assistant manager. He was a top quality player but he is also intelligent.
“He’s a very impressive young man, serious about his work and improving as much as he can.
"And he has been key for me. He played in the league last season so he knows all the teams, stadiums, opposition and knows our dressing room. He has been a big help.”
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Away from the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia and things are looking bleak for Ruben Amorim. Since taking the job in November last year, United have lost 17 games out of a possible 33 in the Premier League.
He is under serious pressure following their recent defeat to Brentford, but would Fabregas be an upgrade? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Man Utd, Premier League, Ruben Amorim
Jack Kenmare