Ruben Amorim has failed to make much of a mark at Manchester United since replacing Erik ten Hag last year, and a Premier League-winning head coach has reportedly claimed he could fair better
Ruben Amorim reacts
Ruben Amorim hasn't had the best tenure at Manchester United(Image: Gareth Copley, Getty Images)
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Roberto Mancini has reportedly told close friends he could become the next Manchester United manager should Ruben Amorim face the axe.
Amorim finds himself under mounting scrutiny at Old Trafford - with United facing a pivotal encounter against Liverpool at the weekend, who have similarly endured a difficult spell recently.
Nevertheless, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly backed Amorim in recent media appearances. Speaking on The Times' The Business podcast, the Ineos chief sought to quell speculation surrounding Amorim's position.
He said: "He has not had the best of seasons. Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That's where I would be.
"The press, sometimes I don't understand. They want overnight success. They think it's a light switch.
"You know, you flick a switch and it's all going to be roses tomorrow. You can't run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week."
Should that stance change, Mancini has, according to The Sun, confided in friends that he could step into the United hotseat. The former Manchester City manager Mancini has remained unemployed since leaving his Saudi Arabian position just over 12 months ago.
Roberto Mancini speaks
Roberto Mancini has reportedly spoken about the Manchester United job
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Though he is most recognised for his stint at City, where he secured their maiden Premier League title in 2012, when Sergio Aguero transformed the title race with his dramatic 93rd-minute goal.
Mancini, who resides in the south of France, continues to be revered at the Etihad. City supporters were thrilled to encounter their ex-manager during a recent Champions League trip to Monaco.
Mancini isn't the only contender for the United job, however, with former England manager Gareth Southgate also emerging as an option. Elsewhere, Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner is another name that has been associated with the position.
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