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United considered six high-profile names before locking in Ruben Amorim—who nearly turned the job down.
Manchester United’s Manager Search: Six Names, One Gamble
Before Ruben Amorim took the reins at Old Trafford, Manchester United had a very different plan. According to The Athletic, the club compiled a six-man shortlist in May 2024, with a strong preference for managers familiar with the Premier League. That list included Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, Marco Silva, and Graham Potter.
The club even began initial talks with several of those names before the FA Cup final—an awkward time considering Erik ten Hag was still in charge. After lifting the cup, Ten Hag was given a short-lived contract extension, only to be replaced in November by Amorim.
Why Amorim Wasn’t the Obvious Choice at First
At first, United weren’t convinced Amorim was the right fit. Jumping from Sporting Lisbon to a club still rebuilding felt risky. But director of football Jason Wilcox reached out to him, and things changed quickly after a five-hour meeting in Seville. Amorim impressed with his tactical clarity and long-term vision.
Still, he was hesitant. “Why now? Why not at the end of the season?” he asked, worried about walking into a volatile situation mid-campaign. Ultimately, the message from United was blunt: Now or never.
Amorim later explained, “I had three days to decide. There was another club offering three times more, but I chose Manchester. It was time to take the next step.”
Who Else Was in the Frame?
- Thomas Tuchel: Met with United executives in Monaco but decided on a sabbatical. He was later named England manager in October.
- Roberto De Zerbi: United made a formal offer, but he turned it down over money. A month later, he joined Marseille.
- Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, Marco Silva, Graham Potter: All held talks in some form, but none progressed past initial conversations.
- Thiago Motta: Also under consideration after a standout season at Bologna but was on his way to Juventus.
How It’s Going for Amorim
Amorim’s first season has been rocky. In January, after a string of poor performances, he said his side might be “the worst in the club’s 147-year history.” But recent results—three wins and a draw—have pulled United up to eighth in the table.
For the average fan, it’s been a rollercoaster. Hopes for attacking football and a fresh approach haven’t quite translated into consistency on the pitch. Still, there are signs that Amorim is starting to settle, and the club’s long-term bet on youth and modern tactics may yet pay off.
The Bottom Line for Fans
United’s managerial saga shows just how fine the margins are. They were close to handing the job to more proven hands like Tuchel or De Zerbi, but both passed on the chance. Amorim wasn’t first on the list, but he’s the one tasked with steadying the ship.
For the average Joe who logs in to place a bet on a Saturday, the hope is simple: United under Amorim becomes a team you can back with some confidence again—maybe even one that pulls off a surprise win or two. Right now, it’s still a wait-and-see.
