Man United 'approach' second manager to replace Erik ten Hag amid Ruben Amorim stance

Manchester United have reportedly approached Fulham boss Marco Silva as the club try and find a replacement for Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman was axed on Monday morning following a poor start to the season.

Sunday's 2-1 defeat at West Ham proved to be the final straw for Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who decided to fire Ten Hag with United sitting 14th in the Premier League table. A club statement read: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men's first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future."

With Ruud van Nistelrooy appointed as interim head coach ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Leicester, the search is underway for a new permanent successor for Ten Hag. Ruben Amorim has emerged as the frontrunner and is growing closer to joining United from Sporting CP after a deal was agreed, the Manchester Evening News understands.

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However, United are still working on a financial package with Sporting while Amorim is also an option for Manchester City, who might need a new manager next summer with Pep Guardiola's future uncertain. Now, it has been claimed that United are looking at other alternatives in case he waits for the City job, with Fulham's Silva reported to be on that shortlist.

According to journalist, Guillem Balague, Silva has been 'approached' by United. The Portuguese has done an excellent job at Fulham since taking over in the summer of 2021, guiding to promotion from the Championship before cementing them as an established Premier League club.

Silva was said to be on United's list to replace Ten Hag in the summer, but Ineos decided to keep the 54-year-old in situe and hand him a new one-year extension.

That decision has appeared to backfire, with United making a dreadful start to the season and winning just four of their first 13 matches across all competitions, while Fulham sit above the Reds in the table. United face Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before hosting Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend.