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      Five things Ruben Amorim must fix at Man Utd from giving flops a tactical identity to getting best out of £51m man

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      RUBEN AMORIM looks set to be the manager appointed as the new boss of Manchester United following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.The Sporting CP head coach will inherit a squad that sits 14th in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League table.Ruben Amorim is set to inherit a talented but massively underperforming squadCredit: GettyErik ten Hag left his position at Man Utd with the team in 14th in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyHowever, that is not to say he will come into a total mess at Old Trafford, with a talented squad with a number of bright young talents set to be at his disposal.The summer’s transfers under new bosses Ineos also appear to fit like a glove for Amorim’s style of play.The addition of a new defensive midfielder in Manuel Ugarte and two centre-backs in Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro have bolstered particularly weak areas of the squad from last season.But problems have persisted over the summer, and Amorim, 39, will need to have a checklist of items on his agenda if he takes up the Red Devils mantle – as his idol Jose Mourinho once did.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMaking a clear tactical identityA common criticism of United under Ten Hag was a lack of clear identity and patterns of play.Ten Hag said he wanted his side to be the best transitional team in the world. And to his credit, United did often look devastating when moving the ball from back to front quickly.Amorim’s 3-4-3 shape could be the key to unlocking United’s potentialBut there’s an argument to be had that this made them a one-trick pony, and far too often they would appear to have no pattern of play outside of long balls into the channels that would give way to chaos.Amorim favours a shorter style of play, with his 3-4-3 formation seeing Sporting attempt the fewest long passes and most short passes in the Primeira Liga so far this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, in the Premier League, United rank 10th for long passes and fifth for short passes.The Old Trafford faithful are desperate to simply see a distinct pattern of play, since for the best part of three years, they seem to have lacked one on a consistent basis.Rúben Amorim talks about the future of Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting Make them tough to beatAnother major criticism of the Ten Hag era came with how easy the team were to play through and beat.This was a particularly apparent flaw last season, with only Sheffield United giving up more shots against their goal than Man Utd.The Red Devils have improved this time around and rank sixth among their peers in that metric.However, the non-penalty Expected Goals metric for shots faced puts them down in 13th, showing that they give up a lot of high-quality chances.Man Utd have been far too leaky in major gamesCredit: GettyIt has led to Andre Onana being forced into action to stop high-quality chances and prevent score deficits from being far worseCredit: APHarrowing 3-0 defeats against Liverpool and Tottenham this season made that obvious.Ten Hag’s United teams were no strangers to a comeback, but many games that should have been out of sight were lost due to a lack of concentration or clear defensive structure.Amorim has a stunning record at Sporting, with 161 wins, 33 draws and 33 losses to his name.In his last 15 defeats, Amorim’s team have only lost by more than one goal twice – with just one in the last ten being by two – while United lost games by three or more goals 24 times in Ten Hag’s reign.Getting the best out of UgarteUgarte is a star that Amorim knows well, with the defensive midfielder starring under him in Portugal before moving to Paris Saint-Germain for big money in 2023.The Uruguay international struggled to get a foothold in Paris before moving to United this summer in a deal worth £42million up front that could rise to £51m.Ugarte has shown glimpses of his talents already at United, with his role in the midweek draw at Fenerbahce seeing him win the ball back before setting the team away for a counter-attack which they scored from.Manuel Ugarte has had a mixed start to life at Old TraffordCredit: GettyHe excelled under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon and could be key for him at UnitedCredit: GettyHowever, he desperately struggled in the defeat to Spurs, albeit he was not the only star at fault in a lifeless display after captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off.Ugarte also does not seem the most technically proficient on the ball, which is exactly why a likely shift to a 3-4-3 under Amorim could hold the keys to unlocking the midfielder. Allowing Ugarte to be a ball-winning specialist who can then recycle the ball to team-mates with a better eye for a pass – such as Lisandro Martinez or Leny Yoro stepping out from the back line – should help to maximise his ball economy.Get the best finishers in scoring positionsQuite rightly, a fair portion of the blame for United’s slow start to the season has come down to the lack of quality finishing in the final third.Indeed, United have the single worst xG differential of any club in England, with the players expected to have scored at least 6.6 more goals if they were finishing at an average level.They also have the most big chances missed out of anyone in the division with 22.However, one way Amorim can actually solve this issue is by getting the squad’s most clinical forwards, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford, into those scoring positions more.Amorim must find a way to give United’s best finishers, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford, more scoring chancesCredit: GettyUnited have missed the most big chances of any team in the league this season, but many have fallen to Diogo Dalot or Alejandro Garnacho who are not clinicalCredit: AlamyUsing the West Ham game as an example, Alejandro Garnacho, Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were all guilty of missing huge chances in the first half, while Hojlund and Rashford were only afforded difficult half chances to score.Garnacho, a clearly talented but rough-around-the-edges star, has five missed big chances this season, while Fernandes has four – a number equal with Joshua Zirkzee, who arrived with a reputation more as a facilitator rather than killer in front of goal.Rashford’s credentials in scoring 30 goals only two seasons ago prove him to be a top finisher when in form, while Hojlund had a conversion rate of 27 per cent in the league last season.A dynamic front three involving the pair with support from another forward and aggressive wing-backs could go a long way to solving the team’s performance issues in front of goal, without breaking the bank by going for the likes of Viktor Gyokeres.Continue to champion youth progressionTen Hag championed the introduction of youth talents into the first-team, which has yielded three of the club’s brightest prodigies in the current team in Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo.At Sporting, Amorim has also favoured this approach, with many stars being sold for huge profits under his watch before a new talent was unearthed and promoted from within.Matheus Nunes, Nuno Mendes, Joao Palhinha, Pedro Porro, Chermiti and Ugarte are among the stars to play under him before being sold for big money.For Sporting, that is simply the way of doing business, but United normally do not face the same pressure to sell their big talents to rivals. And it is why they have a proud record of having an academy player in every one of their matchday squads for more than 86 years.This would hand Amorim the tools to cultivate a plan with the youth prospects in the club’s academy and develop them to be ready for the first-team.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Under-18s are excelling once again this season, with Chido Obi-Martin looking like a real talent after he was poached from Arsenal, while the likes of Harry Amass are on the cusp of earning minutes in the first-team.Amorim’s own philosophy should align with United’s vision, so this should be an easy one for the former midfielder to implement.Ten Hag championed youth progression at United, bringing through two of the team’s biggest starsCredit: GettyAmorim will need to continue to trust in Carrington’s youth development programme like he has at SportingCredit: EPA More

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      Man Utd’s striker woes may be solved thanks to Amorim… but incoming boss’ Gyokeres comments may come back to bite him

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      SPORTING LISBON manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly in line to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.Ten Hag was sacked by the Red Devils on Monday following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham.Ruben Amorim has been linked with the Man Utd jobCredit: GettyAmorim could attempt to lure Viktor Gyokeres to Old Trafford – but his previous comments could come back to bite himCredit: PAAmorim has valued Gyokeres at £83mCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy subsequently took over as interim boss while United chiefs began the search for a permanent successor.But ex-Portugal international Amorim has already emerged as the club’s top target.And he is said to be keen to accept the job.Amorim’s potential move to Old Trafford could pave the way for a top striker to join United.Read More on Man UtdOnce settled in to his job, the 39-year-old could attempt to lure Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres to Manchester.The Sweden international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months.Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea have all expressed an interest in signing the former Coventry star.But Amorim’s presence could attract him to Old Trafford instead.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGyokeres enjoyed a prolific campaign with Sporting Lisbon last season, scoring 43 goals in 50 appearances.The 26-year-old has carried that impressive form over to this term with 14 goals in the same number of outings.Man Utd want Ruben Amorim’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”And, just last month, Amorim insisted Gyokeres is worth at least £83MILLION.He said: “Viktor is a great player, and I believe he is worth €100 million.”Particularly, Sporting, along with president Frederico Varandas and sporting director Hugo Viana, believes he is worth that amount.”Therefore, that is the price; anyone wanting to sign him will have to pay €100 million.”Having publicly put a huge price tag on the striker, it could be difficult for him to facilitate a transfer if he does become the next United boss.Since taking over in 2020, Amorim has won 170 of his 237 matches in charge of Sporting.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was questioned about his future during a press conference on Tuesday and explained: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd] and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would also have been a popular and gettable option – but England got in there first.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Three ways Man Utd could line up under Ruben Amorim as Sporting boss reunites with former star and top Arsenal target

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      RUBEN AMORIM could ring the changes at Manchester United if he is hired for the top job.The Portuguese manager is hotly tipped to arrive at Old Trafford following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.Ruben Amorim could put his own stamp on the Man United teamCredit: GettyAmorim could be the replacement for the sacked Erik ten HagCredit: AlamyManuel Ugarte played for Amorim while at Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe Dutchman was finally put out of his misery after the disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium.Ten Hag was not expecting his time to come to an end as he still held the team’s press conference for the Carabao Cup clash against Leicester on Tuesday.Assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the side while a new manager is appointed.Amorim, 39, is the leading candidate to be offered the job by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and could be appointed quickly.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Sporting Lisbon manager will be familiar with Man United’s newest signing Manuel Ugarte.The midfielder starred for Amorim before he left the Portuguese outfit for Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.The Uruguayan would be expected to be given a leading role under the manager in the centre of midfield.The line-up could also drastically change at Old Trafford after a transfer window under Amorim.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan United have been heavily linked with both Sporting goal machine Viktor Gyokeres and defender Goncalo Inacio.Amorim could insist on the pair’s arrival at Old Trafford to add more quality to his side.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham: Bruno Fernandes causes endless problems but Marcus Rashford entirely absentViktor Gyokeres could be a top target for Amorim to bolster the frontlineCredit: ReutersGoncalo Inacio could be signed to reinforce the defenceCredit: ReutersBruno Fernandes could be used in a more advanced role under AmorimCredit: GettyInacio would command an immediate starting space in the backline and could take up a spot in the middle between Lisandro Martinez and Yoro.While Gyokeres would take up the striker role and replace the Red Devils’ misfiring pair of Hojlund and Zirkzee.The Swedish striker is amongst the most prolific in Europe, having netted 57 goals in 64 appearances for Sporting.He is already familiar with English football, having spent three seasons at Coventry City in the Championship.Man United would face competition to sign Gyokeres, with Arsenal also interested in the striker.Amorim favoured a 3-4-3 formation while at Sporting Lisbon which could suit the club’s current defensive options.Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both capable of playing as wing-backs to add width.The back three could be made up of Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro.However, this will only be possible once Yoro has returned to full fitness following his injury in pre-season.The £52million summer signing is closing on his return from a foot fracture and has been training on grass.Without a transfer window, Amorim would likely opt for Rasmus Hojlund to spearhead the attack as he has similar qualities to Gyokeres.Marcus Rashford could then flank the Danish striker on the left and Bruno Fernandes on the right.Another option for Amorim would be to replace Rashford with Garnacho on the left and Hojlund with Joshua Zirkzee.He could also tinker with the defence and put faith in Victor Lindelof.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim played alongside the Swede during his four seasons in the Benfica first-team.Long-term injury absentee Luke Shaw could bag the left wing-back spot.Victor Lindelof played alongside Amorim while he was at BenficaCredit: Getty – ContributorLeny Yoro is closing in on his return from a fractured footCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Man Utd manager target Ruben Amorim’s life from internship with Jose Mourinho to wife’s impressive footie network

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      RUBEN AMORIM has emerged as the frontrunner to be Erik ten Hag’s permanent successor at Manchester United. The Sporting CP boss has a strong coaching resume at the age of just 39.Ruben Amorim has been linked to the Man Utd job to replace Erik ten HagCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old is one of Europe’s brightest coachesCredit: AFPTaking over the role in 2020 following a short spell as Braga manager, his short career has already become summarised by breaking records.At Braga, he became the first manager to beat Benfica – where he had played for nine years as a player – for 65 years, and then at Sporting, he won the club’s first league title in 19 years.He added the Taca da Liga (Portuguese League Cup) in the same season to score a double, before following up with a repeat victory of the trophy in the season after and eventually landing a second league title last season.His exploits on the field with his 3-4-3 system championing youth progression have seen him highlighted as one of Europe’s brightest tactical coaches and linked with some of the biggest jobs in world football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMan Utd are the latest club to come calling after interest from Liverpool, Manchester City and West Ham, and look set to land the Portuguese tactician.Amorim’s rise has inevitably drawn comparisons with one of his Old Trafford predecessors, Jose Mourinho.Special One 2.0?However, there is likely a good reason for that.After suffering a career-ending ACL injury at the age of 32, Amorim attended a coaching course at the Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon with lectures led by Mourinho alongside seven-time Primeira Liga winner Antonio Veloso.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDubbed the Special One 2.0, Amorim also had an internship at Man Utd under Mourinho in 2018, and has previously cited the Special One as his “reference point” in coaching.He has played down any comparisons between the pair, saying of his idol: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”Erik Ten Hag SACKED by Man United – here are the SIX candidates to replace himBut Amorim has already become unique in his own way, with his move to Sporting seeing him become the then third-most expensive managerial appointment ever in a deal worth £8.3million (€10m).His first job in coaching at third division team Casa Pia saw him guide the team to promotion despite being handed a six-point deduction and Amorim being briefly suspended from management because he did not have the proper coaching badges.Although, he does seem to have the same kind of temperament as Mourinho, with Amorim being dubbed “a master trash-talker” who tries to play mind games with his opponents. Where have we seen that before?Speaking to the Daily Mail, Portuguese football expert Tom Kundert said of his demeanour: “He’s very open in press conferences, happy to respond to all questions – even the stupid ones – with an informative answer.”And he also retains a remarkably jovial demeanour, even when the pressure is on. “He’s one of these coaches who fosters a superb spirit among the whole squad, and that is no doubt the fruit of his communicative approach.”In five years as a coach, I cannot remember him ever criticising any of his players in public and I cannot recall one news story of an unhappy player. Amorim had an internship at Man Utd under Jose MourinhoCredit: Twitter @Mourinho_XtraHe has called the Special One a ‘reference point’ for his own coachingCredit: Getty”When things do go wrong for Sporting, which has not happened much under Amorim, he shifts all the focus on himself.”He will say things like, ‘We lost because Sporting have a coach who is still inexperienced and is learning the trade and who got it wrong today’. “Overall, he has a very affable personality and generally does a great job at swerving any controversies or spats with rival managers.”Another way he is unique is with a fan account on social media dedicated as a countdown page to Amorim’s next press conference.Amorim has remained in touch with the former Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Tottenham boss, even though their relationship has evolved to a more equal standing now.Then-Roma boss Mourinho messaged Amorim after Sporting knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League in 2023 to say: “The old and the new Mourinho are still in the competition.”Married lifeAmorim married Maria Joao Diogo in 2013Credit: FacebookShe has her own interior design businessCredit: Instagram @doistons_designinterioresWork does not stop behind the scenes for Amorim.He is a father of two and is married to Maria João Diogo, who have one son together. Maria has built her own business in interior design with an academic degree in telecommunications engineering.The couple got married in 2013 in front of 160 guests at a beautiful ceremony at the Palácio de S. Marcos church in Coimbra.Players like Nuno Gomes, Miguel Vítor, Hugo Viana, Luís Filipe and Quim were all present. As was Maria’s brother, Antero Henrique.Antero was famously the former Sporting Director at PSG – and was a Man Utd target – before the Red Devils switched their attention to Dan Ashworth.He was responsible for the most expensive transfer ever – bringing Neymar to the Ligue 1 giants in a record-breaking £198million from Barcelona.Antero also managed to convince Kylian Mbappe to snub Real Madrid, when he moved from Monaco.While Dani Alves, who was fielding several offers from Premier League clubs, was persuaded that his future belonged in the French capital in 2017.Before his tenure at PSG, Antero modernised Porto’s academy and introduced handball and basketball to the organisation.READ MORE SUN STORIESA club museum and TV channel were also insisted upon by the ambitious football director.Another sister of Maria, Ines Diogo, is married to one of Amorim’s former team-mates in Luís Filipe.Her brother Antero Henrique was once the Sporting Director at PSGCredit: AFP More

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      Failed Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag handed £15m payoff after his sacking from Prem giants as he flees UK on private jet

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      SACKED Erik ten Hag boards a private jet to the Netherlands after being axed as Manchester United manager yesterday with an expected £15million golden goodbye.The Dutchman, 54, got his marching orders at 11am.Erik ten Hag boards a private jet to Amsterdam just hours after being sacked as Man Utd’s managerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe 54-year-old Dutchman was whisked from his Cheshire home to Manchester AirportCredit: ZenpixThe Dutchman is in line for a £15million payday despite his turbulent spell as managerCredit: AlamyHe was seen smiling at 2.15pm before a Cessna light aircraft flew him home from Manchester to Amsterdam.Less than two hours after the announcement — at 1.30pm — sheepish Ten Hag was seen crouching down in the back of a black ­chauffeur-driven Mercedes S Class.The 54-year-old Dutchman was whisked from his Cheshire home to Manchester Airport — where he was pictured in the gilet and with a rucksack — before his private jet left for Amsterdam at 2.15pm.He is in line for a £15million payoff after a turbulent 2½-year spell and is the fifth manager sacked since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down after 27 years in 2013.READ MORE ON ERIK TEN HAGUnited chiefs had extended Ten Hag’s £6.5million-a-year deal until June 2026 just 166 days ago.Fellow Dutchman and ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, 48, who was his assistant, has taken over as interim boss.A club insider said: “The dressing room has been like a morgue recently — and it is no wonder Ten Hag has gone.“The owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has told people he acted with his heart not his head when he gave him the extension in the summer. Now he is acting with his head.”Most read in FootballUnited are currently 14th in the Premier League with 11 points from nine games. Andy Mitten, from fanzine United We Stand, said: “I would never celebrate United sacking a manager but this season has been a nightmare and finishing eighth last year is not good enough.“It is a very expensive move after what happened in the summer – and that is the last thing the club needs at the moment and when we’ve made huge pay-offs to managers in the past.”’Something seriously wrong!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to huge Man Utd call which saw Erik Ten Hag sackedClub owner Ineos handed Ten Hag the extension after a shock FA Cup Final win over rivals Manchester City in May.A separate United source said of the sacking: “This is long overdue and no one could be that shocked the hierarchy have finally acted.“But the way it has been done is chaotic and shows the club is in a mess from top to bottom.“The worst thing the club did was extend Ten Hag’s contract after the FA Cup win. While that was a great achievement, it was so obvious that it glossed over a dreadful season. And it has now cost the owners potentially over £10million.“While there may be room for negotiation, Erik is not going to go without a hefty pay-off.“It is not the first time it has happened recently either with former managers like Jose Mourinho getting huge payouts as well.“It is a symptom of the chaos that has gripped the club since Sir Alex Ferguson left.”Announcing the sacking, United said: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.“Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”Ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, 48, who was Ten Hag’s assistant, has taken over as interim bossCredit: AlamyTen Hag has faced criticism over his management of players such as Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettySporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is the current favourite to take over as managerCredit: GettyNames in the frame to take over include Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, ex-Barcelona manager Xavi and Germany’s national team boss Julian Nagelsmann.Ex-England boss Gareth Southgate, who recently hired Jimmy Worrall, a close associate of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as his agent — and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are also contenders for the Old Trafford job.In 2019, United paid £19.6million in compensation after axing Jose Mourinho and backroom staff.Two weeks ago it was revealed Sir Alex is leaving his £2million-a-year role as a United ambassador at the end of the season.That decision was branded scandalous by club legend Eric Cantona and came amid an Ineos-led ­economy drive and after 250 staff lost their jobs in the summer.Ten Hag has faced criticism over his management of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, who criticised him after leaving in 2022.Management slammedMany of his recruits came from the Dutch league or played under him at previous clubs.Some signings like £85million Brazilian winger Antony have under-performed.RUUD PIC REMOVEDRUUD van Nistelrooy deleted an old social media post of him in black make-up hours after his appointment as interim boss.The 11-year-old image, inset, of him dressed in jewelled headdress and robe as King Balthazar at a charity event in Marbella, Spain, had been re-shared ­thousands of times.Van Nistelrooy had visited a hospital to mark the Spanish Parade of the Three Kings. In a caption with the picture, he wrote: “In hospital with presents for the young and old.”The source added: “There has definitely been a divided dressing room recently. A lot of players did not like Ten Hag and quite a few will be happy with this news.“His man-management has not been great, and the way he has handled stars has got to be called into question.“No one doubts Erik was a likeable and honourable man who worked extremely hard and loved the club. But he could be dogmatic and inflexible — and that is one of the things that caused friction. The players who are happy he has gone are pleased because they didn’t think his tactics would work.“It is not because they didn’t like him as a person.“There is a new energy now Ruud is in charge, and a growing feeling that – if he does well – he will get the job permanently.United captain Bruno Fernandes, 30, said of the news: “Thanks for everything, boss. I appreciate the trust and moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future.”Pundit and former United defender Rio Ferdinand said: “Erik ten Hag recruited a large part of this squad.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But some of these players have been here for one, two, three managers and we’ve still had the same results.“Someone’s got to come in and change that now.”Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More

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      Ruben Amorim breaks silence on Man Utd job as Sporting Lisbon manager says ‘I was already expecting this’

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      RUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Ruben Amorim is being linked with the Manchester United jobCredit: GettyTen Hag, 54, was dismissed on Monday morning following a dismal start to the season.Just hours later it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd] and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”Amorim was speaking ahead of his side’s cup match against Nacional on Tuesday.His team sit six points clear at the top of Portugal’s Primeira Liga and are unbeaten in their opening three Champions League games.Since taking over in 2020, Amorim has won 170 of his 237 matches in charge of Sporting.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has won two league titles and two cups – and was linked with the Liverpool job earlier this year before Arne Slot was named as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement.Amorim was also tipped to join Chelsea amid uncertainty over Mauricio Pochettino’s future.Erik Ten Hag SACKED by Man United – here are the SIX candidates to replace himWest Ham were another English club interested in his signature prior to Julen Lopetegui’s arrival.Who could replace Ten Hag at Man Utd?ERIK TEN HAG has finally been put out of his Manchester United misery – but who will be the manager to lead them into the future?Ruud van NistelrooyThe Red Devils legend, 48, is no stranger to the pressures of Old Trafford.Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 games for Man Utd and helped them to the 2002-03 Premier League title.The striker also starred for another monster club, Real Madrid, as a player before going into coaching.The 70-cap ex-Holland international managed PSV’s youth team before landing the senior job for the 2022-23 season.Van Nistelrooy landed a coaching job under Ten Hag earlier this year and is said to have done a superb job working with the clubs strikers behind the scenes.And now he will have the chance to show what he can do in a live ‘interview’ of sorts.How long the club will give him is another matter.Ruben AmorimThe Sporting Lisbon boss has been heavily linked with the job in the immediate aftermath of Ten Hag’s sacking, with United said to be in advanced talks. It will cost them a rumoured £8m in compo to prise him away from the club he has led to two league titles. However, despite the strong links, nothing is for certain with 39-year-old Amorim.He was spotted flying into London amid talk of succeeding David Moyes at West Ham but nothing came of it.He was also said to be nailed on to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, while he was reportedly in line to get the Chelsea gig before Mauricio Pochettino got the nod. Gareth SouthgateThe former England boss, 54, has long been linked with the Man Utd job.The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender has gone on to enjoy great success as a manager – albeit without getting his hands on a major trophy.Southgate managed Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009 before taking on the England Under-21s job between 2013 and 2016.The 57-cap former Three Lions international then took the senior national job, replacing Roy Hodgson.Southgate brought the nation together as he led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, as well as the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.However, he left his role in the summer following the defeat to Spain and was replaced by Lee Carsley on an interim basis.Thomas Tuchel – another boss long linked with the Old Trafford job – will take over the reins in 2025.Southgate has been out of club management for 15 years and a portion of England fans were frustrated by what they deemed a defensive style.However, his ability to largely galvanise the fan-base and deal with the pressure of one of the biggest jobs in sport with real class would be a huge asset for United.Edin TerzicEarlier this month, SunSport revealed Edin Terzic is the shock name on United’s list to replace Ten Hag.German Terzic took Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before surprisingly quitting.He has many admirers at Old Trafford and it would he a smart but unexpected move to go for him if they sack under-fire Ten Hag.Terzic, 41, did his coaching badges in England, where he was friends with fellow United target Graham Potter, and then worked as Slaven Bilic’s No 2 at West Ham.He rose to the top in Germany during two spells at Dortmund before he walked away in June.Graham PotterThe English boss, 49, has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April 2023.Potter excited fans with his attacking approach at Brighton before he was poached by the Blues.However, he failed to lift Chelsea out of their funk and was given his marching orders.Potter’s fans include Manchester City mastermind Pep Guardiola.And there’s no doubt the ex-OstersundS FK and Swansea boss would get United playing on the front foot, something Old Trafford fans have long craved.Kieran McKennaCruelly denied a playing career due to injury, the former Tottenham youth prospect has excelled as a coach.McKenna, 38, worked as Under-18s coach at both Spurs and Man Utd before landing the top job at Ipswich Town.The young boss incredibly guided the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, guiding them from League One back to the Premier League, ending the club’s 22-year absence.McKenna was quickly added to a host of clubs’ wish-lists, including Man Utd, according to reports.But Ipswich reacted swiftly to offer him a new, long-term contract.However, his side are yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League games, with four wins and five defeats.McKenna has Ipswich playing exciting, expansive football – something Man Utd fans crave.The big question now is whether McKenna opts to jump ship or stay loyal.Xavi and Thomas Frank are also three names very much believed to be in the running. 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      Ten Hag’s worst XI of Man Utd signings cost £300MILLION as manager is finally sacked with flops in 14th

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      ERIK TEN HAG has been sacked with Manchester United 14th in the Premier League and £300MILLION out of pocket. The Dutchman was shown the exit door following 2-1 defeat at West Ham with club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy to take charge in the interim. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take interim charge after Erik ten Hag’s sackingCredit: AlamyTen Hag leaves with an FA Cup and Carabao Cup to his name but in the league and Europe results were underwhelming. And so too was his transfer business. In his two seasons, Ten Hag signed 21 players costing over £545m. Perhaps the biggest disaster of them all was the £86m forked out to sign winger Antony, who previously played for Ten Hag at Ajax.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe has struggled to thrive since moving to Manchester – with just 12 goals over 87 games.Joshua Zirkzee joined from Bologna for £36.5m this season and got off to the perfect start by scoring on his debut. But it is his only goal in United red. Rasmus Hojlund is in his second season having been brought in for £72m from Atalanta but the Dane is showing signs of settling in. Most read in FootballAntony is still struggling for formCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee has just one goal for Man UtdCredit: GettySergio Reguilon had his loan cut shortCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat does not compare to loanee Wout Weghorst, who left United after six months and just two goals.Hojlund arrived alongside Mason Mount, who joined in his own controversial £60m transfer from Chelsea, but has so far flopped. Roy Keane left red-faced after Sky Sports colleague tells Man Utd legend to ‘bring this look back’Mount has just a single goal for United since his move and missed chunks of both seasons out injured.Casemiro came in for £60m from Real Madrid and had an excellent first season under Ten Hag. But his form has taken a dip since and got so bad United were linked with selling him. Marcel Sabitzer and Sofyan Amrabat, who arrived with a hefty loan fee of £7.7m, have both failed to make an impact under Ten Hag. A big decision made under Ten Hag was to sign Andre Onana for £47m opposed to giving David de Gea a new deal. The stopper has performed both excellently and poorly at times – but it has been enough to keep £4.3m back-up Altay Bayindir out of the side.Bayindir starts in our flop XI after managing just two appearances – at Newport County and Barnsley in cup competition. Mason Mount has spent much of his Man Utd career injuredCredit: AlamyCasemiro has failed to follow up on his stellar first seasonCredit: PAJonny Evans featured far more than anticipatedCredit: GettyJonny Evans was signed on a free transfer, eight years after leaving United, raising eyebrows.The Northern Irishman initially penned a short-term deal but stayed all season and has seven appearances this campaign. Sergio Reguilon features after signing on loan from Tottenham, only to be sent back halfway through the season despite a lack of fit left-backs.Luke Shaw has struggled for fitness while his back-up Tyrell Malacia – another Ten Hag signing –  missed last season followingfollowing knee surgery.That’s enough to start at right-back in this XI, despite some positive performances for the Red Devils after signing for £13m.Matthijs de Ligt will go down as one of Ten Hag’s last big signings but the £42m paid to Bayern Munich has so far looked like money poorly spent. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe now-former Old Trafford boss was even forced to bench De Ligt amid a run of shaky starts. Ten Hag’s XI of underperformers cost over a staggering £300m and will be just one of several reasons for his sacking. More

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      Why NOBODY is right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man Utd with Tuchel already gone and best bosses certain to snub them

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      MANCHESTER UNITED sacking Erik ten Hag, at last, was the easy part.Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham – leaving the Red Devils FOURTEENTH in the Premier League, with just 11 points from nine games – proved to be the final straw.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is facing the axe after another miserable lossCredit: GettyTen Hag risks turning Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous Tottenham team talk on its headCredit: GettyTen Hag’s United didn’t just lose consistently, they were thrashed consistently.Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford are among the teams to have demolished his outfit.Sir Alex Ferguson’s most famous three-word team talk — “Lads, it’s Tottenham” — could now be turned on its head by Ange Postecoglou or several other Premier League bosses.“Lads, it’s Man United.”Read More on Man UtdFacing United hasn’t held a fear factor for many years.Now, it is a fixture openly relished by many — a big-name scalp which is relatively easy to come by.There has been a regular cycle of doom around Old Trafford for the last 11 years, under six different managers.United are trounced on a Sunday afternoon, Gary Neville and Roy Keane rant on the telly, everyone speculates on the manager’s future on a Monday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSManagers come and go, many players linger for too long, and United continue to be largely terrible.Yet under Ten Hag — who offered little as a coach or man-manager — the bad days got even worse.Gary Neville predicts exact date Erik ten Hag will be sacked as he rants Man Utd ‘can’t be 14th after nine games’ It was the wrong decision for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos crew to keep faith with the former Ajax boss after last season’s FA Cup win.And then to have signed another tranche of overpriced Dutch players.At last, Ratcliffe and his fellow Old Trafford chiefs have seen sense.So now for the hard part. Who, realistically, takes over?And, more pertinently, who would want to?This is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.Emery wouldn’t take United job – he’s not stark raving madAnd Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Who could replace Ten Hag at Man Utd?ERIK TEN HAG has finally been put out of his Manchester United misery – but who will be the manager to lead them into the future?Ruud van NistelrooyThe Red Devils legend, 48, is no stranger to the pressures of Old Trafford.Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 games for Man Utd and helped them to the 2002-03 Premier League title.The striker also starred for another monster club, Real Madrid, as a player before going into coaching.The 70-cap ex-Holland international managed PSV’s youth team before landing the senior job for the 2022-23 season.Van Nistelrooy landed a coaching job under Ten Hag earlier this year and is said to have done a superb job working with the clubs strikers behind the scenes.And now he will have the chance to show what he can do in a live ‘interview’ of sorts.How long the club will give him is another matter.Gareth SouthgateThe former England boss, 54, has long been linked with the Man Utd job.The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender has gone on to enjoy great success as a manager – albeit without getting his hands on a major trophy.Southgate managed Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009 before taking on the England Under-21s job between 2013 and 2016.The 57-cap former Three Lions international then took the senior national job, replacing Roy Hodgson.Southgate brought the nation together as he led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, as well as the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.However, he left his role in the summer following the defeat to Spain and was replaced by Lee Carsley on an interim basis.Thomas Tuchel – another boss long linked with the Old Trafford job – will take over the reins in 2025.Southgate has been out of club management for 15 years and a portion of England fans were frustrated by what they deemed a defensive style.However, his ability to largely galvanise the fan-base and deal with the pressure of one of the biggest jobs in sport with real class would be a huge asset for United.Edin TerzicEarlier this month, SunSport revealed Edin Terzic is the shock name on United’s list to replace Ten Hag.German Terzic took Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before surprisingly quitting.He has many admirers at Old Trafford and it would he a smart but unexpected move to go for him if they sack under-fire Ten Hag.Terzic, 41, did his coaching badges in England, where he was friends with fellow United target Graham Potter, and then worked as Slaven Bilic’s No 2 at West Ham.He rose to the top in Germany during two spells at Dortmund before he walked away in June.Graham PotterThe English boss, 49, has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April 2023.Potter excited fans with his attacking approach at Brighton before he was poached by the Blues.However, he failed to lift Chelsea out of their funk and was given his marching orders.Potter’s fans include Manchester City mastermind Pep Guardiola.And there’s no doubt the ex-OstersundS FK and Swansea boss would get United playing on the front foot, something Old Trafford fans have long craved.Kieran McKennaCruelly denied a playing career due to injury, the former Tottenham youth prospect has excelled as a coach.McKenna, 38, worked as Under-18s coach at both Spurs and Man Utd before landing the top job at Ipswich Town.The young boss incredibly guided the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, guiding them from League One back to the Premier League, ending the club’s 22-year absence.McKenna was quickly added to a host of clubs’ wish-lists, including Man Utd, according to reports.But Ipswich reacted swiftly to offer him a new, long-term contract.However, his side are yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League games, with four wins and five defeats.McKenna has Ipswich playing exciting, expansive football – something Man Utd fans crave.The big question now is whether McKenna opts to jump ship or stay loyal.Ruben Amorim, Xavi and Thomas Frank are also three names very much believed to be in the running.Not many optionsEmery would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Gareth Southgate concernYet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the  equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel was talked about at United’s top target, and would have been a popular and gettable option, but the FA have already beaten United to the German.Despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Replacement needs to succeed Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a “figurehead” manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer, will take the reins at interim boss, but surely lacks the experience to take the job full-time.And United would be wise to avoid another Ole Gunnar Solskjaer situation.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag was the easy part.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Ratcliffe, Ashworth and the rest of United’s new management structure, the hard part is what happens next.And it is a decision they desperately need to nail.Thomas Tuchel would have been a popular replacement for Ten Hag but the FA got him for EnglandCredit: GettyMan Utd assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken over as interim bossCredit: GettySouthgate is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by Man Utd last springCredit: Getty More