Paul Scholes Believes Sporting CP Coach Would Be ‘Risky’ For Man Utd

Manchester United are reportedly in talks to appoint Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim as the successor to Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed following a disappointing start to the season.

Amorim, 39, boasts an impressive resume, having secured two Portuguese league titles with Sporting, including their first in nearly two decades. His potential appointment, however, has ignited debates on whether he is the right fit for the Old Trafford job.

The specifics of United’s discussions with Amorim remain unclear, and it is uncertain if other contenders are still being considered. Amorim himself addressed the Manchester United speculation on Monday, though he refrained from elaborating, merely acknowledging he “expected” the question.

In the interim, United have assigned Ten Hag’s former assistant, Ruud van Nistelrooy, as temporary manager. The club has yet to clarify how long Van Nistelrooy will serve in this role, raising questions about his involvement in the upcoming Carabao Cup fixture against Leicester.

Paul Scholes Expresses Reservations about Amorim

Paul Scholes, a Red Devils icon, publicly expressed his reservations about Amorim as a candidate, describing him as “a risky option.” Speaking to the English Premier League website, Scholes shared his view that while Amorim’s achievements are commendable, Manchester United would be better served by a manager of Zidane’s calibre.

“Amorim is an interesting option,” Scholes commented. “But again, it’s a risky option. We all know Amorim’s style of play—he plays very good football, and we’ve been talking about him for Man. City, which obviously says something about his ability.”

However, Scholes underscored the magnitude of the Manchester United role, contending that the club requires “a world-class coach” to lead them forward. “This is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so they must have a world-class coach. Zidane is the only one who has been to a big, big club and won big titles,” he stated. Scholes also pointed to potential language and cultural barriers, adding, “I’m not sure about [Zidane’s] level of English or whether he really wants to come to England. I’ve never felt that desire from him.”

Site Opinion

The potential appointment of Ruben Amorim highlights Manchester United’s willingness to explore fresh and promising managerial talent, which could align with the club’s recent shift toward dynamic, forward-thinking football. Amorim’s success at Sporting Lisbon has turned heads in European football, and his tactical acumen might inject a new energy into United’s gameplay. However, the lack of experience managing a club of United’s stature may present a risk, especially given the high expectations from fans and the Premier League’s relentless pace.

However, Scholes’ perspective resonates with a segment of the fan base who believe that only an established manager, such as Zidane, can restore Manchester United’s status among Europe’s elite. Zidane’s extensive experience, especially with Real Madrid, suggests he has the temperament and vision to handle United’s unique pressures. His record of success would offer an immediate morale boost, signalling the club’s intention to re-establish its domestic and European dominance. While Amorim could bring innovation, a proven leader like Zidane may deliver the immediate results United desperately need.