Manchester United have an uncertain few weeks ahead of them, after Ruben Amorim was fired as manager at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was a strong advocate of giving the 40-year-old an extended period to turn things around at Manchester, but a breakdown in the relationship brought any plans to an abrupt halt.
Jason Wilcox has been reported to have suffered a breakdown in his relationship with the former Portugal international, with his dismissal confirmed early on Monday morning.
Darren Fletcher has already been installed as a temporary replacement while INEOS works around the clock to identify a long-term replacement for the outgoing Amorim.
It remains to be seen who might take the reins in the near future, but many names have already appeared on their shortlist in the last few hours following the announcement.
Man Utd want to appoint ex-PL boss to replace Amorim
Over the past few hours, many managers have been touted to join United, whether for a long-term or short-term appointment.
Former caretaker boss Michael Carrick is just one name who has been mentioned after taking charge of three first-team matches at the end of 2021.
Other managers, such as Oliver Glasner, Kieran McKenna and Gareth Southgate, have all been mentioned as potential options in the race to replace Amorim.
However, the quartet are not the only option currently in INEOS’ sights, with Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi another option being considered by the hierarchy.
According to the Telegraph, support is growing behind the scenes for the Italian boss who had already been interviewed for the role in 2024 before Amorim arrived.
It also says the 46-year-old, who achieved a winning record of 58% in France, would provide a proven Premier League option after managing Brighton and Hove Albion.
Why De Zerbi would be the perfect Amorim upgrade
In November 2024, Amorim’s appointment by the United board was seen as exciting after he won the Liga Portugal title twice with Sporting CP.
However, as England’s 15th-place finish in last campaign showed, his time in charge of the Red Devils was nothing short of a disaster.
From a dreadful finish to the Championship to a Carabao Cup second round exit to League Two side Grimsby Town, it was truly a time to forget for the United fan base.
The 40-year-old was only able to achieve a record 40% winning rate in all competitions, subsequently winning just 25 matches in his 63 outings in Manchester.
Such figures, coupled with the breakdown of his relationship with Wilcox and Co, undoubtedly contributed to his demise and, ultimately, his dismissal from his position.
However, as previously mentioned, the hierarchy wasted no time in identifying replacements, with De Zerbi potentially a great option for the Red Devils.
Although any deal would require a compensation package, it could be a move that sees the club make a huge upgrade for Amorim – as their respective Premier League statistics show.
Comparing their numbers, the Italian dominated Amorim in countless areas, while doing so at Brighton, a club with far fewer funds than the Red Devils.
The Italian, dubbed a ‘genius’ by Statman Dave, has achieved a better points per game record in England’s top flight, while also achieving a better winning percentage.
|
How De Zerbi and Amorim compare in PL |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics |
By Zerbi |
Amorim |
|
Managed Games |
70 |
47 |
|
Victories |
26 |
15 |
|
Prints |
19 |
13 |
|
Losses |
25 |
19 |
|
Goals scored |
116 |
66 |
|
Goals against |
110 |
72 |
|
Points per game |
1.39 |
1.23 |
|
Statistics via Transfermarkt |
||
Such numbers reflect his uncanny ability to make his teams difficult to beat, which has been far too easy for opposition teams traveling to Old Trafford.
He has also conceded fewer goals per game, while scoring more, demonstrating the impact he is capable of having on his teams at both ends of the pitch in the Premier League.
De Zerbi also achieved a higher ranking at the end of a season than the former Red Devils boss, with his record deserving a chance to flourish in Manchester.
It’s unclear whether De Zerbi himself would be open to the role at this time, but it’s clear he has all the tools needed to bring back the glory days to the Theater of Dreams.
He would undoubtedly be an upgrade over Amorim based on their respective spells in England, with the next appointment being a massive one if the club are to become a dominant force again.
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Manchester United have a huge task ahead to replace Ruben Amorim following his dismissal.
