With more bombshell news reverberating across the Premier League today, Man United’s succession plan for Ruben Amorim has emerged after strong suggestions of a swift Enzo Maresca return.
The spotlight that has been on Chelsea for the past few days has shifted to Old Trafford after Amorim was sacked on Monday morning.
Even before that decision was taken, Maresca was being linked with Man United, having expressed personal interest in taking that position.
That might not matter, though, after what has come out about INEOS’s plan to replace the Portuguese coach.
Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Man United not looking for a permanent replacement for Ruben Amorim
It almost felt like the stars had aligned for the former Chelsea manager to walk into another high-profile coaching job.
Maresca continues to be linked to Man City, but the opening of a vacancy on the other side of Manchester had many speculating over a swift Premier League return.
How would you feel about Enzo Maresca going to Man Utd? 🤔
Ruben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United! The door is open for Enzo Maresca to replace him…
Enzo Maresca managing Chelsea against Man United
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
That looks unlikely after what Ben Jacobs has revealed following this morning’s breaking news.
He posted on X: “Update: Manchester United plan to appoint a permanent manager in the summer and an interim until the end of the season. Darren Fletcher to continue until a plan in place.”
United don’t want to rush this decision and oversee yet another failed attempt to turn the club’s fortunes around. With that in mind, they are set to hold out until the summer for a long-term successor, hiring an interim manager in the meantime.
It has been done before, but most managers with top-level experience don’t want to take on an interim position. Maresca has just won the Club World Cup with Chelsea, and will surely feel as though his next big opportunity is around the corner.
Maybe he will be considered in the summer, but by that point, there may be an opening at the Etihad that he would much prefer.
Addressing Ruben Amorim to Chelsea
The inverse of this situation is for Chelsea to consider the now-available Amorim for their project.
Before moving to Old Trafford, Amorim was considered one of the top young coaches in Europe and someone who could head a long-term project at a big club.
His United career has tarnished that reputation, and Chelsea would be wise to steer clear of him. Not only would many Chelsea fans take issue with a rival boss being picked, but Amorim’s system could not work at Stamford Bridge.
Should Chelsea have appointed John Terry as interim manager?
John Terry vs Liam Rosenior 🤔
Would it have made more sense for Chelsea to hire John Terry as an interim manager until the end of the season?
Chelsea v FC Internazionale - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Chelsea barely have two top centre-back options at the best of times, and a back three would require a complete overhaul of the current squad. Amorim has not done enough in the Premier League to suggest that would pay off.
Let’s nip this particular rumour in the bud.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox