Manchester United’s search for Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor has seen them invest in a lot of different managers in the past decade.
The Red Devils last won the Premier League in the 2012/13 campaign, which was Ferguson’s final season at the Theatre of Dreams.
The fiery Scot called time on his illustrious coaching career that summer, and 12 years on, the English giants are yet to repeat his formula of success.
From David Moyes to Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag, everyone failed to fill Sir Alex’s shoes at Old Trafford.
When United removed Ten Hag from the hot seat and stationed Ruben Amorim as his successor, many fans were convinced their wait for glory would finally be over. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case.
A turbulent 10 months at Old Trafford
Amorim arrived at Old Trafford as one of the hottest young managers in the world. He had transformed Sporting’s fortunes during his four-year stay at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, playing attacking, attractive football, and winning multiple trophies.
There is a reason why he was nicknamed O Poeta by none other than Cristiano Ronaldo during their playing days! United certainly felt like they had hit a jackpot.
However, 10 months later, the Portuguese looks like a shadow of the man who sent fans into a frenzy after securing the first of his two league titles with Sporting in 2021.
Amorim has managed just 17 wins in 47 games with United, and his “system” has been heavily assessed in recent times. Recent reports have already suggested that he is on borrowed time at Old Trafford.
Many names have been floated as possible replacements for the Portuguese, including Bournemouth’s charismatic manager Andoni Iraola.
Bournemouth are fourth in the Premier League
Iraola has been a revelation for the Cherries in recent times and has turned them into a well-drilled machine since taking charge in the summer of 2023.
The Boscombe-based club have been on the rise under the Spaniard’s guidance, and he has apparently turned heads at Old Trafford as well. Interestingly, Iraola’s contract expires at the end of this season, making him a financially viable option for United as well.
However, speaking to TBR Football, journalist Graeme Bailey said that Bournemouth are already working to tie him down to a new deal before January.
“Bournemouth have always deflected the attention in Iraola insisting they see him signing a new deal – but that is becoming more of a situation,” said Bailey.
“Iraola’s current deal expires next summer and now Bournemouth, without piling pressure on the 43-year-old, are pushing him to sit down for talks. We understand Pinto has told his Bournemouth bosses that he is hopeful that Iraola will commit.”
Bournemouth have won three of their four games in the Premier League this season and are fourth in the league. United, meanwhile, have one win in as many games, and are 14th.
Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
