For many managers, the opportunity to take charge of the 20-time champions of England would prove too lucrative to turn down – even in their current state.
Now, several coaches are again being linked with the Manchester United job, despite Ruben Amorim being just 11 months into his tenure at Old Trafford.
It’s thought Amorim retains the backing of INEOS at this stage of the season, which has seen the Red Devils lose three of their opening six Premier League matches and be knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby Town in the second round.
However, you can imagine the co-owners’ faith will be dwindling with each poor result or performance; United left it until the seventh minute of injury time to beat newly-promoted Burnley via a spot-kick and only scored against Chelsea when they had the extra man, eventually conceding when both teams were down to 10 in the aftermath of Casemiro’s red card.
Who could realistically succeed Amorim?
Anything other than a win against Sunderland this Saturday would only heap more pressure on the shoulders of Amorim, who maintains he will stick by his implemented tactical shift irrespective of whether it proves to be a success or not.
In regard to the names being touted as potential replacements, the likes of Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace) and Gareth Southgate (free agent) have all been heavily linked, whilst Brighton and Hove Albion’s Fabian Hurzeler is a lesser-likely option.
His lack of experience in top-flight football may deter Sir Jim Ratcliffe, especially given he chose Amorim, 40, to replace Ten Hag, and is now being made to rue the decision.
Hurzeler put on the spot over United links
Even still, Hurzeler was put on the spot regarding a potential switch to M16 by talkSPORT.
He, expectedly, kept tight-lipped on the matter, although he did express his satisfaction at being amongst the rumoured candidates.
“Of course, it is always an honour to be a part of the rumours,” said the 32-year-old German. “But I really respect the coach Ruben Amorim there, so I think it’s not the right thing to talk about this.
“But overall, I can say it’s a privilege to work for Brighton. I’m very happy to be the coach here. We [still] have a lot of work in front of us.”
