"It doesn't fill you with confidence, does it?" - Journalist explains why Manchester United rejected Ruben Amorim in the summer and kept Erik ten Hag

Journalist Alex Crook has revealed that Manchester United turned down the opportunity to sign Ruben Amorim as the club's manager in the summer. Speaking on talkSPORT, he said the move to hold on to Erik ten Hag before switching to the Portuguese boss indicated a lack of confidence in the latter.

He said:

“Also, I know this for a fact, that ownership were offered Ruben Amorim in the summer when they were doing a beauty parade of different managers."

He added:

“They were speaking to Roberto De Zerbi, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Tuchel and they said no to Amorim because his style didn’t fit this Man United squad. They then hired him X amount of weeks later. It doesn’t fill you with confidence, does it?”

The difference in playstyle has been pointed out as a key reason behind Manchester United's forgettable start to life under Amorim. While his predecessor opted to play counter-attacking football, the ex-Sporting CP boss' high-tempo style has had its struggles with execution. Questions also remain if the players in the squad fit Amorim's ideas, with most of them being purchased under ten Hag's tenure.

The Red Devils endured a difficult 2023-24 campaign, finishing eighth in the league. However, a win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final meant they decided to stick with ten Hag to begin the new season, despite his concerning overall performance.

It proved to be a disastrous decision as the side mostly found themselves in the bottom half of the league in 2024-25. Amorim, who was courted in the summer, eventually arrived in November to replace the Dutchman but has struggled to turn their fortunes, as they lie 14th on the table.

LaLiga club preparing offer for Manchester United star in January window: Reports

Antony could be on the move.

LaLiga side Real Betis have offered a loan deal for Manchester United winger Antony. According to Spanish outlet ABC, Los Verdiblancos are looking to share the player's wages with the Red Devils to facilitate a move.

Antony has had a difficult stint at Old Trafford, failing to impress following a massive £86 million move from Ajax in 2022. He barely featured under Erik ten Hag and the situation has remained the same under Ruben Amorim, with the 24-year-old making just four appearances off the bench in the Premier League this season.

With just 12 goals and five assists in 94 games across his Manchester United career, Antony has caught a lot of flak. Thus, a move away from England could be positive for the attacker as he looks to kickstart his career once again.