Manchester United have reportedly identified an alternative to Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim in their search for a new manager.
On Monday morning, the Red Devils announced that they had parted company with Erik ten Hag, a consequence of just four wins being recorded from 14 games in all competitions during 2024-25.
Ruud van Nistelrooy - a United legend and former assistant to Ten Hag - will take charge of Wednesday's EFL Cup fourth round tie against Leicester City.
However, there have been suggestions that United's hierarchy are eager to appoint a permanent successor to Ten Hag as quickly as possible.
Over the past 24 hours, it has been widely speculated that progress is being made in negotiations to secure the services of Sporting boss Amorim.
The Portuguese is allegedly tempted to make the switch to Old Trafford, giving up a perfect start in Primeira Liga and unbeaten start to the Champions League.
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Amorim alternative identified
If everyone goes to plan, the 39-year-old will be in the dugout for Sunday's Premier League showdown versus Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, according to Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other members of the United footballing operations team have an alternative in mind if a deal for Amorim is not agreed.
Balague claims that United have approached Fulham boss Marco Silva to gauge whether there would be any interest in replacing Ten Hag.
His stance on any offer is unclear at this stage, with it seemingly being irrelevant if his Portuguese compatriot Amorim and Sporting give the green light to a move.
That said, Silva's impressive start to the campaign with Fulham has allegedly resulted in admirers emerging in the United boardroom.
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What is Silva's record at Fulham?
Silva has been in charge of the Cottagers since July 2021, recording a total of 67 wins and 51 defeats from his 151 matches in charge.
As well as winning the Championship title in his first season, Fulham have posted 10th and 13th-placed finishes in the Premier League.
The West Londoners have accumulated 12 points from their opening nine games in this season's top flight, Silva's men sitting in 10th place in the standings.
Darren Plant
