Man United get green light to appoint 'great candidate' Ruben Amorim

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel is 'convinced' that Ruben Amorim is a 'great candidate' to replace Erik ten Hag as the club's new head coach. The 54-year-old former Ajax boss was given his marching orders on Monday morning following Sunday's 2-1 defeat at West Ham.

United, who sit 14th in the Premier League table, said in a club statement: "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 taking charge on an interim basis ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Leicester, the search is underway for a permanent successor to Ten Hag. Ruben Amorim has emerged as the frontrunner for the job and is growing closer to joining United from Sporting CP after a deal was agreed.

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Amorim, who was linked with West Ham over the summer, has been in charge of Sporting since March 2020, managing over 200 matches across all competitions. And Schmeichel believes that the 39-year-old is the ideal candidate to become the next United manager.

Schmeichel said on BBC's Monday Night Club: "Ruben Amorim is a great candidate, I'm convinced about that. I'm also convinced he could replace Pep Guardiola.

"It has to be resolved now, Man United have to stop what has happened so far and look to the future, we've already wasted so many years on not being very good. We're so far behind Manchester City, so far behind Liverpool, so far behind Arsenal, that process has to start now."

Bruno Fernandes was one of the first United players to react to Ten Hag's dismissal. He said on Instagram: "Thanks for everything boss! I appreciate the trust and the moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future," followed by the raising hands emoji.

"Even knowing the last period hasn't been great from all of us I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager has done for our club!"