Ruben Amorim's stance on joining Man Utd causing fresh headache after Erik ten Hag sacked

Manchester United may struggle to attract Ruben Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag as their new manager, according to reports. On Monday, it was confirmed the Dutchman had left his position at Old Trafford with Ruud van Nistelrooy taking interim charge.

Ten Hag oversaw United's worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign before he was relieved of his duties. The Red Devils are currently sat 14th in the table having won three, drawn two and lost four of their opening nine matches.

It remains to be seen who United will go for to replace Ten Hag on a permanent basis. Sporting boss Amorim has been linked with the role since the initial speculation over Ten Hag's future in the summer.

United are keen admirers of Amorim but might not be able to appoint him until the end of the campaign, according to The Independent. It is said that he is reluctant to leave Sporting in the middle of the season while they are still fighting for trophies.

Amorim is widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football and was close to joining Liverpool before they decided to appoint Arne Slot. He has been widely tipped to take over at Manchester City if Pep Guardiola leaves upon the expiry of his contract.

The report adds that United saw Thomas Tuchel as the ideal choice to replace Ten Hag before he took the England job earlier this month. Those in power at Old Trafford are said to be monitoring a lot of the same names they were linked with during the summer.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank remains a potential candidate to take over at United on a permanent basis. He is tied down in west London until 2027, meaning the three-time European champions would need to agree a compensation package with the Bees.

Xavi is also thought to be on United's radar following his exit from Barcelona towards the end of last season. Contact is already said to have been made through intermediaries but the Spaniard is seen as 'highly unlikely' to step into the Red Devils dugout.

During the summer, United were said to have been interested in appointing Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna. He ultimately decided to sign a new contract at Portman Road and the Blues' poor form is unlikely to put him back in contention for the United job.

Alternatively, they could decide to give it to Van Nistelrooy on a permanent basis if he does well enough as their interim boss. United previously did similar with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who took over when Jose Mourinho was sacked in 2018.