Next Man Utd manager: Bruno Fernandes teases move for Liverpool target as Klopp, Guardiola earn lavi
Bruno Fernandes has endorsed the merits of Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim amid suggestions he is a contender to be the next Manchester United or Liverpool manager – but the Portuguese star has ghosted Erik ten Hag while praising both Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola in a conversation about the best managers in the world.
The Red Devils have badly struggled for consistency this season, but did manage to salvage their season – and potentially Ten Hag’s job – with a hard-fought come-from-behind (twice) 4-3 victory against Liverpool in the FA Cup. That gives Manchester United a great chance to reach a second-successive FA Cup final with Championship outfit Coventry lying in wait in the last four.
However, perhaps only victory in the competition, which represents United’s last trophy hope, as well as a return to the Champions League next season can probably save Ten Hag from the axe, amid claims a decision on his future has already been reached and that United were ‘confident’ of landing their ‘overwhelming choice’ to take the job.
DON’T MISS ~ Ten Hag sack: The eight Man Utd players whose standards have most dipped and leave Dutchman on the brink of axe
Either way, speculation has begun to gather pace that new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and incoming new sporting director Dan Ashworth have held extensive talks over both the future for Ten Hag, whose deal expires in summer 2025, and a potential replacement.
Related video: 'I have not been at my best' - Fernandes admits he has struggled at Man Utd this season (SNTV)
Per reports, they have drawn up a shortlist for the post, led by Gareth Southgate but with other candidates, such as Thomas Frank, Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann on their wanted list.
However, one name who has persistently been linked and will surely be of temptation to United in Sporting coach Amorim.
The 39-year-old has been compared to Jose Mourinho in Portuguese circles after his early rise to coaching super-stardom in his homeland.
Next Man Utd manager: Bruno Fernandes hails qualities of Ruben Amorim
He has also appeared on the wanted list of Liverpool, who are very much in the hunt for a new manager themselves.
Any deal for Amorim would cost his suitors quite a hefty chunk with Sporting CP protected by a significant €30m (£25.6m) exit clause.
However, in a discussion with Portuguese paper A Bola about a list of far-reaching subjects, Fernandes appears to have talked up the merits of the 2021 title winner as a contender for the Man Utd job.
READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes namedrops €220m Sporting CP trio he loves in future hint at Man Utd transfers
“If he really takes the next step – and I hope he stays at Sporting – but if he takes the next step, I think the qualities are all there to be able to succeed in English, French, or Spanish football,” Fernandes said.
“Obviously, we know that the Premier League is probably the most desired. The qualities (to succeed in England) are there. And he (Amorim) has everything to take the next step, in my opinion.
“But it will depend of the clubs, the directors, whether they want to pay the Sporting’s release clause or not. There are many components.
“But I think that the manager Ruben Amorim is prepared for the next leap.”
Fernandes was also asked for his opinion on who he sees as the greatest managers in the game right now and the Man Utd skipper had no hesitation in naming departing Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola of arch rivals Manchester City as two of the best in the business.
Ten Hag ghosted as Man Utd skipper piles praise on Klopp and Guardiola
However, in lavishing praise on the pair, his telling omission of Ten Hag from his list served a bit of a damning verdict on the United boss.
Discussing Guardola first, Fernandes told A Bola: “We are talking about the best coach in the world, without a shadow of a doubt.
“He is probably the coach who most changed the game of football. Nowadays, everyone wants to be Guardiola, there’s no need to hide that.
“All teams, from the second to the first divisions, everyone tries to play like City and everyone tries to find the dynamics that City has, because they have results and success.
“For me, having praise from a coach like Guardiola is something spectacular, because, as I said, we are talking about a coach that I really appreciate and who, for me, today, is the best coach in the world.”
Fernandes was equally rich in his praise of Klopp, also speaking in high praise of the German, who will depart Anfield at the end of the season.
“We are talking about a coach who is one of the ones I most appreciate, for the intensity he brings to games and the passion he has for football,” Fernandes said of Klopp.
“I think what he did now is yet another demonstration of how much he loves football. He feels that, if he is not at his best, he is not giving his best to the game. And I think a little like that too, in the same way as him, probably.
“He is a coach who changed the dynamics of Liverpool, who brought hope to the club. If we look at it, Klopp is the coach who has probably won the fewest titles and, even so, achieved the most in terms of the passion of the world of football, the passion of the fans, the transformation he brought to a club.
IN DEPTH: Incredible Man Utd XI for 2024/25 as Ratcliffe rebuild takes full shape with several blockbuster incomings
“He won big titles, he won the Premier League, the Champions League, and some cups, but the biggest prize he will take away from these years will be the flame, the passion and the new dynamics he brought and which made Liverpool once again believe in being [a] champion, in being able to fight for titles, in being among the best.
“That’s something that no one will ever take away from Klopp. We are talking about another coach who really influences my passion for football.”
Bruno Fernandes makes feelings clear after Gareth Southgate's public U-turn
Bruno Fernandes has showed his love to Manchester United team-mate Kobbie Mainoo after Gareth Southgate performed a U-Turn to hand the teenager his first England call-up.
Mainoo, 18, was initially selected to join up with the England Under 21s squad during the international break. However, after impressing during United's 4-3 victory over Liverpool over the weekend, Southgate has decided to call him into the senior camp ahead of friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
After making his first Premier League start in November, Mainoo has become an integral member of the United side. In fact, the teenage sensation has started in 15 of their last 16 matches and scored his first top-flight goal during the 4-3 victory over Wolves last month.
Southgate's change of heart is the latest chapter in Mainoo's rapid rise and he will be hoping to impress if handed an opportunity in England's two friendlies over the March international break. After being selected for the squad, Mainoo said on Instagram: "It's an honour to receive my first senior call up."
His United teammates were quick to show their appreciation for Mainoo, as club captain Fernandes expressed his delight. The Portugal international said: "My guy," with a heart emoji. Alejandro Garnacho replied: "My man," while Harry Maguire commented with a heart-eyes emoji.Related video: Gareth Southgate names latest England squad amidst Ben White controversy (Dailymotion)
When asked about Mainoo last week, Southgate said: "He's doing brilliantly for a young player. We've never slow to put a young player into the seniors but he's only had a handful of games.
"So we think ideally, we should allow him that space to develop at his own speed. He's not at the point in terms of number of games that Jude (Bellingham) and Bukayo (Saka) were when they came in for the first time.
© The FA via Getty Images
© Offside via Getty Images
"But I repeat: he's doing really well for a young player. He's a good footballer - you can see that. And he's getting some fabulous experience with Manchester United at the moment. And he looks a really good character."
Following United's dramatic victory over Liverpool on Sunday, former Arsenal forward Ian Wright could not believe Mainoo hadn't been picked for the latest England squad in the first place. Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher and Jude Bellingham were the recognised midfielders chosen ahead of him.
Wright told ITV Sport: "How's Kobbie Mainoo not in that [England] squad? Roy [Keane], how's Kobbie Mainoo not in that squad? Come on, man. Come on. You know, [the] man was immense today. Gosh."
Mainoo's call-up to the England squad comes as Southgate continues to be linked with becoming the new United manager. The ex-Middlesbrough boss has emerged as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's No.1 candidate if they decide to sack under-fire manager Erik ten Hag. Southgate's contract with the FA expires in December.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Gyokeres 3rd: Top 10 available strikers ranked as Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea chase new No. 9
Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea are all expected to be in the market for a new striker this summer and there are plenty of options out there. Here are the best 10 ranked…
10) Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart)
One of the hottest strikers in world football and with a £15million release clause, the Premier League’s big boys could do a lot worse than Stuttgart hitman Guirassy.
There will be some reluctance to buy Guirassy given this is the only season in his entire career that he has been scoring goals at a better-than-decent rate. That, and the fact he has just turned 28.
But 22 goals in 20 Bundesliga appearances in 2023/24 is an absurd return and the aforementioned price is one that cannot be ignored.
image
9) Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord)
Gimenez may be overlooked due to the fact he has only done it in the Eredivisie. Know who else has done it in the Eredivisie? Antony. That should be enough to put anyone off. But then you remember Ruud van Nistelrooy and Mohammed Kudus.
The Mexican international helped fire Feyenoord to only their second league title this century last season and has another 21 goals in 25 Eredivisie appearances in 23/24.
He is certainly an interesting option and even at a reported valuation of £30m, it feels like Gimenez will end up at a side outside of the traditional Big Six, if he is to move to England. West Ham striker curse, anyone?Related video: Arsenal star Bukayo Saka makes football joke as he creates own Nando’s Peri Peri sauce (Dailymotion)
8) Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)
The first current Premier League star on this list, Solanke is enjoying the best top-flight season of his career at Bournemouth, with Andoni Iraola’s greatest achievement on the south coast the way he has unlocked the Liverpool flop.
Having scored 44 goals in two Championship seasons, Solanke was unable to shine when the Cherries earned promotion in May 2022, netting six times in 33 top-flight appearances. He eclipsed that figure – a previous Premier League best for him – by December this season.
This one stinks of West Ham, doesn’t it? Or Newcastle United if they sell Alexander Isak and keep Eddie Howe.
READ MORE: Arsenal leading Liverpool and catching Man City in transfer allure rankings
7) Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna)
The youngest player on this list, 22-year-old Zirkzee looks like he has everything required to be a top striker. He is strong, quick, a good finisher, can hold the ball up, and wins aerial duels. Although Bayern have priority with an exclusive £34m release clause, the Dutch youngster is another who should not cost too much.
There is plenty of interest in Zirkzee and out of everyone on this list he can be regarded as a bit of a wildcard. That being said, he would be perfect for Manchester United, who need to relieve the pressure on Rasmus Hojlund. Both players are relatively similar in age, style and career path, so it makes a lot of sense to us.
6) Jonathan David (Lille)
The latest member of the perpetually linked to the Premier League without ever coming close to moving group, David is banging in the goals for Lille this campaign as he looks to finally secure a big-money transfer.
The Canadian international still has his best years ahead of him at 24 but you get the impression if he was going to come to England, he would be here already.
English clubs are not going to be the only ones out there looking for a new No. 9, though, especially with the Premier League’s elite likely to cause those minions abroad to seek replacements. David could be the man brought in to replace a Victor Osimhen or Victor Boniface, for example. More on those two soon…
5) Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)
Speaking of which, forgotten Leverkusen striker Boniface has been injured so is currently going under the radar.
Ten goals and seven assists in 16 appearances in the Bundesliga is a superb return for a player who has not been missed too much with Patrick Schick among those picking up the slack.
Three braces in his first five league appearances alerted Europe’s elite and if Xabi Alonso leaves, a lot will follow him. Boniface, as a striker in a summer likely to be themed around players in that position (and managers), should be one of the first the club are fielding calls about.
4) Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Perhaps talking himself out of a big move, Toney has been running his mouth and frankly insulting Brentford – who stood by him during his betting ban – in the process. It is not a good look and one that Arsenal and Chelsea will note with interest. Manchester United and their desperation to get back to the top will probably turn a blind eye, though.
Ignoring the blatant desire to leave his current club, Toney is obviously a very good footballer and another who can be regarded as an all-round striker.
Having scored goals for fun in the two divisions below Our League, the England international has bagged 36 in 78 appearances in the top flight.
3) Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting)
Gyokeres might be hindered by his past, unfortunately for him. ‘But he played for Coventry!’ some Arsenal fans will cry when they see links to the Swede. It’s not about where you’ve been, guys. It’s about where you are. And Gyokeres is at Sporting, taking the p*ss.
With a ridiculous 50 goal contributions in 39 games this season, there is talk of the 25-year-old’s £85m release clause being triggered by the Gunners – who are expected to prioritise the signing of a striker this summer.
And Gyokeres is the top scorer of 2024 ahead of Kylian Mbappe.
2) Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
You expected Osimhen to be first, didn’t you? Baffled, aren’t you?
Osimhen has a release clause slightly higher than Gyokeres and is the better player with a bigger reputation. We would not be surprised to see both players move on at the end of the season and the former has been flirting with a move for a while.
2022/23 was the Nigerian’s most productive scoring season by far and his numbers in every other season are impressive, but not £100m impressive. He is someone who works very hard for the team but there are doubts over him. I, personally, am not fully convinced, hence the fact he is second here.
Who will be the next £100m footballer?
1) Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
Including Isak may raise a few eyebrows, so let me explain. If Newcastle receive a suitable offer for him, they will probably sell. Their chief executive Darren Eales has admitted the club may need to sell a star player to help balance the books and the natural choice is Isak or Bruno Guimaraes. If one goes, the other surely will not follow.
Isak’s situation is different to Ollie Watkins, for example, with Aston Villa under no pressure to sell.
As an Arsenal supporter, Isak is my first choice in the summer. He is brilliant and has shown shades of Thierry Henry. The Swedish international has proved how effective he can be in the Premier League and is currently being wasted and often looks isolated in an out-of-sorts Newcastle team.
One goal in the Champions League this season can be cause for concern but as we have said a couple of times, Isak is a player with everything required to be a top striker. It is probably the Premier League experience that gives him the edge over Osimhen. That, and the thought of him leaving Newcastle for Arsenal. The Geordie meltdown would be fantastic.
Side note: Before you say anything, Lautaro Martinez is signing a new contract at Inter, Dusan Vlahovic is less likely to leave than everyone on this list, Harry Kane will not leave Bayern, Artem Dovbyk, Borja Mayoral and Romelu Lukaku do not make the top 10, and Evanilson and Benjamin Sesko very narrowly missed out.
READ NEXT: Arsenal leading Liverpool and catching Man City in transfer allure rankings
