Ruben Amorim emerges as frontrunner for major European club after Man Utd exit

Ruben Amorim has emerged as the favourite to take over at a major European giant just months after being sacked by Manchester United.

Back in January, former United manager Amorim was sacked just 14 months after he was appointed as Erik ten Hag's replacement in November 2024.

During his time in charge at Old Trafford, the Portuguese manager won only 31.9% of his matches in all competitions, the worst win ratio of any permanent United boss.

In the months following his dismissal Amorim has disappeared from the spotlight, with only the occasional link to a new job appearing in the media.

But now, it appears that the 41-year-old may finally be set to return to the dugout as he has been named as the frontrunner to take over as AC Milan's new manager.

The Italian giants are currently searching for a new manager since sacking head coach Massimiliano Allegri in May after failing to qualify for the Champions League, in a season the club's hierarchy described as an "unequivocal failure."

Several names have since been linked have with the San Siro in recent weeks, including fellow former United manager Ralf Rangnick who had been tipped to become the club's new technical director.

According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan and Amorim have already held talks over his appointment, with the club ready to offer him a provisional two-year contract on the table, which includes an option for a third season.

Amorim's emergence as the favourite comes after Rangnick, who is currently in North America with Austria, signed a new long term deal to remain as the national team's head coach until June 2028, despite the interest from Milan.

Oliver Glasner misses out on AC Milan job

Amorim's emergence as the favourite at AC Milan comes at the expense of former Crystal Palace boss Glasner, who was previously among the favourites to take over at San Siro.

Glasner had reportedly bee heavily championed by Rangnick, but has now seen himself drop down the shortlist following the German's decision to stay as the Austria national team manager.

The report claims that, despite his unremarkable stint with United, Milan considers Amorim as one of the most suitable candidates for the job due to his playing style.

The former United boss is believed to possess the playing characteristics that Milan owner Getty Cardinale mentioned in the hours following the disastrous end of the season: a high centre of gravity, aggression, and an ability to win the ball back immediately.

A further report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that the Portuguese manager is keen on the job and has opened doors to AC Milan's conditions, suggesting it could just be a matter of time before the appointment is confirmed.