Introduction

In recent comments, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has placed his support behind Ruben Amorim, the current manager of Sporting CP, igniting speculation about the future of Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat. With Manchester United enduring a rocky start to the season, Fernandes's praise for Amorim raises eyebrows regarding Ten Hag's tenure.

Ruben Amorim's Achievements

Amorim has been at the helm of Sporting CP since March 2020 and has dramatically transformed the club's fortunes, clinching two Primeira Liga titles and two Portuguese League Cups. During his leadership, Sporting ended a 20-year wait for league success, asserting his position as a formidable manager in European football.

Fernandes's Remarks

While speaking on international duty, Fernandes remarked on Amorim's impressive coaching acumen, asserting, 'Since Mr. Amorim arrived at Sporting, they have been one of the teams to play the best football. The signings have been right, and they are in a very good moment. It’s a very well-prepared team.' His comments come at a time when Ten Hag's management is under increasing scrutiny, and they undoubtedly add to the pressure on the Dutch tactician as United grapples with disappointing performances.

Speculation on Ten Hag's Future

Reports from The Sun indicate that Amorim could be an attractive option for United's hierarchy should they choose to part ways with Ten Hag, especially if results do not improve in their upcoming fixtures against Brentford and Fenerbahce. It’s worth noting that dismissing Ten Hag would incur a substantial compensation fee of approximately £14 million ($18.3 million), which could be a deterrent for the club's owners.

Potential Managerial Candidates

As the managerial landscape continues to shift, former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel emerges as the leading candidate to replace Ten Hag. However, Fernandes's endorsement of Amorim suggests that he may also be in the mix if a managerial change occurs, reflecting the midfielder's strong connection to his former club.

Amorim's Premier League Aspirations

Earlier this year, Amorim's name was floated for positions in the Premier League, particularly in discussions with Liverpool regarding replacing Jurgen Klopp, though they opted for Arne Slot. Additionally, he held discussions with West Ham United but chose to remain with Sporting, citing his commitment to the club as a reason for his decision.

Transfer Speculations

In other news surrounding Manchester United, there are suggestions that the club is considering re-signing left-back Alvaro Fernandez Carreras from Benfica, who previously left Old Trafford on loan. Fernandez's impressive performances in Portugal have caught the attention of Manchester United, who may activate their buy-back clause to bring him back to England amid growing interest from clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Keane's Criticism of Eriksen

Moreover, former United captain Roy Keane has voiced his dissatisfaction with the club's midfielder Christian Eriksen. After a recent match where Eriksen conceded that the opposing team 'wanted it more,' Keane criticized the player for such comments, underlining the need for a stronger mentality within the squad as they strive to compete with top teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City.

Conclusion

As Manchester United navigates this turbulent period, with whispers of a managerial change and player reinforcements, the stakes could not be higher. Will Fernandes's comments on Amorim be a catalyst for change, or can Ten Hag turn the tide and secure his position? Only time will tell.