Manchester United interested in manager linked with Manchester City as pressure mounts on Erik ten Hag - Reports

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have identified Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim as a possible replacement for Erik ten Hag. The Dutch tactician is under intense pressure at Old Trafford following a disappointing start to the season.

The Red Devils are 14th in the Premier League after seven games with two wins and three defeats. Manchester United have lost four of their 11 games across competitions, despite investing heavily in the squad over the summer.

New minority owners, INEOS made multiple changes behind the scenes at the club but opted to keep their trust in Ten Hag. The Dutchman is yet to vindicate that decision and wasn't expected to last the international break.

It appears that the Red Devils are willing to be patient with Ten Hag for now. However, INEOS also are keeping their options open and have apparently identified Amorim as an option for the hot seat at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese manager has transformed Sporting since taking charge in 2020. He has won two Primeira Liga titles, two Taca da Liga, and one Supertaca Candido de Oliveira.

Interestingly, Manchester City also have their eyes on Amorim as a possible replacement for Pep Guardiola, who is out of contract next summer. Manchester United have made enquires about the Sporting manager too.

The 39-year-old is highly regarded as one of the best young coaches in the world at the moment. However, Amorim has no intention of leaving Sporting in the middle of the season. His contract with the Portuguese giants runs until 2026 and he has a release clause that will get activated next summer.

Will Manchester United sign a new striker in January?

Manchester United have continued their struggles in front of goal this season. The Red Devils signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna over the summer for a reported fee of £36.5m.

However, the Dutch striker has failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old started his tenure with Manchester United with a debut goal against Fulham in August and hasn't found the back of the net since.

The Red Devils have scored just five times in seven games in the Premier League, with Rasmus Hojlund also failing to impress. The situation could tempt the English giants to return to the market in January for reinforcements.

Recent reports have suggested that they have their eyes on RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, but a move may not be possible in the winter.