The future of Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been thrown into question after the Portuguese boss himself admitted uncertainty about his suitability for the role. This has fueled speculation of a sensational return to Old Trafford for former Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho, who has emerged as a surprise frontrunner with bookmakers as reported by The Mirror.
United have endured a dismal run of form under Amorim, who took charge following Erik ten Hag’s departure in November. The ex-Sporting Lisbon coach has publicly questioned whether he is the right man to steer the club forward, adding to the growing pressure surrounding his position. Currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, United’s performances have been a far cry from expectations.
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Mourinho, who previously managed Manchester United for just over two years before his dismissal in December 2018, is now being heavily tipped for a potential comeback. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe now overseeing football operations at the club, bookmakers have dramatically slashed odds on the “Special One” returning for a second stint, making him a staggering 4-1 favourite.
During his previous tenure at Old Trafford, Mourinho guided United to sixth and second-place finishes in the Premier League. He also delivered silverware, securing the Europa League and the Carabao Cup in his debut season.
While Amorim still has the opportunity to deliver European success, with United set to face Tottenham in the Europa League final in Bilbao next week, even a victory in that competition may not be enough to compensate for a disastrous domestic campaign. Securing Champions League football through a European triumph would be a significant achievement, but the dire league form has left his position vulnerable.
The 40-year-old Amorim has taken responsibility for United’s struggles, stating that the decline is down to him, not the players. He went on to suggest that if a rapid turnaround in results cannot be achieved, “we should give our place to different persons.”
Manchester United’s hierarchy, including co-owner Ratcliffe and chief executive Omar Berrada, are expected to conduct a thorough assessment of Amorim’s position at the end of the season, regardless of the outcome in the Europa League final. Amorim has managed just six wins in his 25 Premier League games in charge, presiding over what is currently United’s worst league season since their relegation in 1974.
Mourinho, now 62 and currently managing Fenerbahce, where he is expected to depart this summer, has a wealth of Premier League experience, having also managed Chelsea in two separate spells and Tottenham Hotspur. Since leaving Spurs, he has coached Roma and is now in Turkey, though he appears set to finish the current season without a trophy. While his recent spells haven’t replicated the heights of his Champions League-winning Inter Milan era, the allure of a return to Old Trafford persists.
Should United decide to part ways with Amorim but opt against re-appointing Mourinho, other names are also being linked with the job. Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, a former assistant coach at Manchester United, is among the bookmakers’ other favourites. England manager Gareth Southgate, who will be leaving his national team role after the upcoming international break, is also being mentioned as a potential candidate.
