Why Top Managers Reject Coaching Man United
Manchester United appointed Ruben Amorim in November 2024 after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag. His arrival sparked optimism, but the transition proved tougher than expected. Below you will see inormation about is news which has been summarized The Football Breakdown.
United finished 15th in the Premier League, their worst position in 50 years, and ended the season without a single trophy. The Europa League final offered a chance for redemption, but the Red Devils fell short as Tottenham claimed the title. The defeat meant United missed out on European competition entirely for the 2025-26 season.
Fans questioned whether the club had chosen the right coach. This season, however, performances have begun to improve. Amorim’s squad has strung together three consecutive league victories, including a dramatic win against rivals Liverpool at Anfield, restoring belief that progress is finally underway.
Inside the Decision to Sack Ten Hag
By May 2024, United leadership had already decided that change was necessary. Omar Berrada, soon to become CEO, joined Sir Jim Ratcliffe in concluding that Ten Hag could no longer lead the project. Their meeting in Monaco confirmed the Dutchman’s departure.
Manchester United then launched a full data-driven search for their next manager. They wanted a coach who favored a 4-3-3 system and could modernize their style of play. Six Premier League-experienced candidates were shortlisted, including Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, Marco Silva, and Graham Potter.
Interestingly, Amorim wasn’t on the initial list because he had no Premier League background. Director of football Jason Wilcox later pushed his name forward after consulting trusted contacts, comparing Amorim to the next generation of elite coaches.
Read Also: Senne Lammens: “I’m Just Me, Not Schmeichel in Disguise”
Why Tuchel and De Zerbi Turned Them Down
United first prioritized Tuchel, who flew to Monaco for formal discussions two weeks after Ten Hag’s FA Cup win. He impressed the board, but he wasn’t ready to return to management after a turbulent exit from Bayern Munich, so talks ended there.
De Zerbi then became the leading candidate. United discussed financial terms with the Italian, but he rejected the offer, believing the proposal didn’t match his expectations. The club refused to raise their bid, and De Zerbi instead joined Marseille, where he arguably earns far less than what United might have eventually offered. Missing both top targets pushed the club toward their growing admiration for Amorim.
How Amorim Won the Job
The decisive meeting took place in Barcelona, where United’s football executives unanimously backed Amorim. Berrada was then tasked with closing the deal quickly and quietly. United officials met the Portuguese coach in Seville for a five-hour discussion covering strategy, staffing, and his long-term vision.
Amorim wanted to know why United preferred a mid-season appointment. The board explained that joining early would help him adapt to English football before a full campaign. Convinced by his strong ideas and clarity, they sealed the agreement. Now, Amorim’s challenge is turning recent wins into a long-lasting revival, starting with the hunt for a fourth straight Premier League victory against Nottingham Forest. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.
