Liverpool could see their rivals hand them both a blessing and a curse if Manchester United appoint Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s successor.
On Monday, United fired Ten Hag following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United. The Dutchman was given a new deal in the summer only for him to be removed from post just nine games into the new Premier League season.
While Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to takeover in the interim from Ten Hag, it has been widely reported United is in talks to appoint Amorim as their new manager, in a move that could see them steal a march on their rivals Manchester City.
Amorim, who was also in the frame to succeed Jurgen Klopp prior to Liverpool naming Arne Slot as manager, is thought to be among the contenders to potentially replace Pep Guardiola as Man City boss too. Recently, City named Sporting CP’s sporting director Hugo Viana as director of football Txiki Begiristain’s successor.
It was thought Amorim was in the frame to replace Guardiola should the Spaniard leave at the end of the season with his contract up this summer. However, should Amorim end up at Old Trafford, it could leave City pushing hard to make former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso their new manager.
Alonso, who turned Liverpool down to stay with Bayer Leverkusen following Klopp’s departure, guided the Bundesliga side to an incredible league and cup double last term, as well as helping them to reach the Europa League final. The Athletic also reported both Alonso and Amorim had featured in conversations about just who could succeed Guardiola should he leave this summer.
And if Alonso does end up at the Etihad, it would see Liverpool supporters’ worst nightmare come truly. The ex-Liverpool star is one of the best young coaches in Europe and could be at the helm to guide City into a new era of dominance in the Premier League. Seeing him in charge of City would be a bitter pill for Reds fans to swallow.
