Manchester United failed to put up any resistance, suffering a 0-3 defeat to Manchester City in the Manchester derby on Sunday.
Ruben Amorim made the puzzling choice to implement a safety-first strategy, even in light of City’s recent lackluster performance, resulting in Guardiola’s team asserting their dominance at the Etihad.
This defeat intensifies the pressure on the United head coach, and although former players are urging him to adjust his tactics, the former Sporting CP manager remains resolute in his approach.
Currently, INEOS appears to be committed to supporting him. However, Miguel Delaney from The Independent has reported that the club is exploring other options.
Amorim has disappointed big time
Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is at the top of that list, with the impressive work the Spaniard has accomplished at the Cherries catching the attention of the INEOS leadership.
Nevertheless, securing his services will not be straightforward for the Red Devils, as City also appears to be interested in the former Athletic Club defender.
City believes that the 43-year-old would be the ideal successor to Guardiola and is currently in a favorable position to acquire him should their existing manager decide to step down.
Interestingly, Amorim was previously considered the perfect replacement for the former Barcelona manager, but his time at United has undoubtedly tarnished that image.
The only potential drawback is that Andoni Iraola employs a football style similar to that of Amorim. However, he is significantly more adaptable to changes compared to the Portuguese coach.
“Manchester United, as expected, is among the numerous clubs that admire Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola. However, if they were to hire him, it would lead back to the same issue.
Race on for Iraola
“Do they really have the players for his approach? Because, again, the issue would be appointing a manager for who he is rather than what his ideology is. Iraola is obviously brilliant and has shown his own supreme adaptability in how Bournemouth have picked up where they left off without many of last season’s best performers.
“But that’s because Bournemouth, like Brighton, are confident they can sell players and bring in successors who suit the approach. Everyone fits the model. Another lesson for United. And maybe another potential irony.
“United moved for Amorim so swiftly partly because they felt City could see him as a future replacement for Pep Guardiola. Now, Iraola is understood to be top of the list at City.”
INEOS have repeated the same mistake as the Glazers before them, hiring a manager and then trying to mould the squad in his image instead of preparing a solid foundation.
Amorim looks like he will pay with his job. The 20-time English league champions’ next assignment is against Chelsea at Old Trafford. Another tough one.
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