MANCHESTER UNITED are one of multiple Premier League clubs interested in Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude.
Bellingham, 20, followed in his brother’s footsteps when he left newly-promoted Sunderland to join German giants Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
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Jobe Bellingham has emerged as a target for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
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Bellingham is an England youth internationalCredit: Getty
But now, according to reports from German outlet Bild, the midfielder’s next move could bring him back to the UK.
The highly-rated prospect has struggled to find minutes under manager Niko Kovac after starting in the opening two games of the season.
He has played just 74 minutes in the four league games since those games, and could grow frustrated at the lack of opportunities at the club, having been the main man at Sunderland last season.
These frustrations didn’t take long to boil over, with Jobe’s father Mark Bellingham reportedly storming to the dressing room to confront club officials after the youngster was substituted at half-time in their season opener against St Pauli.
United would pose an interesting option for the Stourbridge native to rekindle his meteoric rise, with their midfield struggles being one of their biggest issues under Ruben Amorim this season.
There is a sense that despite having much left to prove on the biggest stages, Bellingham could make an instant impact at Old Trafford.
However, if game time is the deal-breaker in Dortmund, then tales such as that of the consistently snubbed teenager Kobbie Mainoo could be a warning sign to steer clear.
Bellingham joined the Germans in summer for a fee of £27million, and it is hard to picture the Red Devils getting him for anything less than that.
Jude Bellingham spends quality time with his mother away from the football pitch
Another club interested in the England youth international’s services is reportedly Crystal Palace, who were also interested in him while he was with the Black Cats.
Palace have been excellent this season, sitting four places above United in sixth, despite having European football to contend with.
UP here at the Tory Party conference in Manchester, comparisons between Kemi Badenoch and United’s Ruben Amorim write themselves.
Two gaffers tasked with getting a once-formidable colossus back to winning ways — and both finding that nothing they do seems to work.
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Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim share the same struggle – trying to restore former glory to the fallen giantCredit: Getty
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Manchester United manager Amorin has, like Miss Badenoch, been tackling well-documented woesCredit: Getty
Supporters who long for the glory days of old are solemn, and the dressing room is fast losing faith.
Both watch enviously as their gloating rivals in light blue continue to shine.
Both beg for more time.
After her bullish conference speech yesterday, Badenoch has bought herself that time.
It was well delivered and she hit the right notes on the economy, welfare, crime and immigration.
The North West has been kind to them both, and they appear stronger.
Kemi Badenoch has accused both Labour and Reform UK of practising “identity politics” and sowing “division”
But the crashing thud of reality awaits them back in Westminster, where the mirage of the past fortnight will soon be shattered.
Party conferences are bubbles frozen in time, and it is easy to be suckered into believing a leader has played a blinder just because their own side cheers them to the rafters.
Both Badenoch and Starmer now need to come back down to Earth and confront some home truths.
May’s local elections are almost certain to be bloody, with the party at risk of falling to a humiliating fourth in both Wales and Scotland.
Labour’s conference failed to make a dent, with the party registering “no change” in its position at 20 per cent compared to Reform’s 33 per cent.
If Badenoch also fails to make inroads, the same doubts over her leadership will come flooding back.
May’s local elections are almost certain to be bloody, with the party at risk of falling to a humiliating fourth in both Wales and Scotland.
Badenoch’s allies are setting expectations on the floor — but as one of her Shadow Cabinet tells me: “You can roll the pitch as much as you like, nothing prepares you for the pain until it actually hits.”
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Keir Starmer may have united his party in Liverpool — but the real test begins when the conference buzz fades back in WestminsterCredit: Splash
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Rachel Reeves’ upcoming Budget was barely mentioned in both Manchester and Liverpool, but it could turn the fortunes of all parties on their headCredit: Getty
Mass losses would spark a fierce internal debate between those gunning for regicide and those who despair at the thought of the Tories killing off yet another leader.
One prominent donor has been telling friends that he will close his chequebook forever if Badenoch is toppled.
Whereas a Shadow Cabinet minister says: “If she’s not going to be Prime Minister, you might as well get rid of her now.”
Her main rival, Robert Jenrick, is sitting back, but king cobras also sit back before they strike.
While plotters are setting their watches for the May 1 polls, smart Tories are looking towards November 26 to mount a fightback.
The upcoming Budget on that date was barely mentioned in both Manchester and Liverpool, but it could turn the fortunes of all parties on their head.
Last year Chancellor Rachel Reeves claimed her £45billion tax raid was a one-off forced upon her by years of Tory economic recklessness.
Now she is coming back for more in a Budget that risks being even more toxic.
Bond markets have put the Chancellor in fiscal handcuffs, rightly stopping her borrowing even more money on the slate.
Labour MPs have put her in a political straitjacket by vowing to vote down any serious spending cuts, including to the eye-watering benefits bill.
Despite the chaos of Liz Truss, voters on YouGov’s tracker still view the Tories as the most trusted custodians of the public finances.
And growth is so puny that it will barely move the dial, all pointing to taxpayers being rinsed even further to make the sums add up.
Ms Reeves is privately furious with the Office for Budget Responsibility, whose decision to downgrade productivity leaves her with an even bigger black hole — in the region of £30billion.
Perhaps she regrets fawning quite so much over the economic watchdog when it was a thorn in the Tory side.
She is preparing to once again blame the Conservative record, but that is unlikely to wash for a second time, especially if she finds money to lift the two-child benefit cap to placate her own MPs.
A fight on the economy is fertile territory for Badenoch, who spent much of yesterday attacking this “high-tax, low-growth doom loop”.
Shock therapy
Despite the chaos of Liz Truss, voters on YouGov’s tracker still view the Tories as the most trusted custodians of the public finances.
Some at the top of the tree believe economic implosion is the shock therapy needed to get them back in the game.
One Tory Shadow Cabinet minister tells me: “People don’t yet realise how bad things are, but be in no doubt, we are flying into the mountainside. And when we crash, that is our chance to make our case to the country once again.”
Farage will of course give this short shrift, arguing he is not only reaping justified anger from years of immigration failure, but also decades of working people feeling no better off.
It is clear Badenoch still needs to go toe-to-toe on borders to have any hope of winning back voters.
But if a miserable Budget sees voters crying out for economic competence, the Tories might at last have their pitch.
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Nigel Farage remains the man to beat — his Reform Party still dominates the polls despite Tory and Labour fightbacksCredit: PA
OLD TRAFFORD continues to suffer from a rodent infestation after a fan claimed to catch a live MOUSE during the game between Manchester United and Sunderland.
A travelling Black Cats supporter shared a post to social media of them claiming to have been next to someone who caught the rodent while in attendance at the ground for the game.
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A Sunderland fan claims to have caught a live mouse while visiting Old Trafford on SaturdayCredit: X/ RejectedBook
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Old Trafford has a common problem with mice due to its locationCredit: Getty
The social media post showed a photo of a mouse being held in a tall plastic cup.
It was partnered by a caption which said: “How dirty is Old Trafford??
“Woman behind has just caught a mouse in the away end at Old Trafford…
“I’m running out of things I’ve not seen at the match now.”
Other fans also ripped into the stunning pictures on social media, with another fan saying: “No way. Even mother nature is taking the p***.”
Mice droppings were found in a food kiosk on the concourse, which prompted a reduction in the hygiene levels at the stadium to drop from four to just TWO stars.
Unfortunately, the source of the rodent problem is believed to come from the location of the stadium itself being between a railway line and a canal.
Following the arrival of minority owners Ineos, United have announced plans to build a new 100,000-seater £2billion stadium which they have dubbed the “Wembley of the North”.
However, last month those plans hit a snag with company owing the land United wanted to build a huge canopy on refusing to budge for less than £400million – way above United’s own estimate of £50m for the lands worth.
Ruben Amorim‘s squad travel to Anfield to face Liverpool after the international break hoping to generate some momentum and pick up consecutive wins for the first time under the Portuguese boss.
RASMUS HOJLUND pointed to the Champions League badge on his Napoli shirt before winning man of the match in Europe’s elite competition.
While the current Manchester United squad watched from their Cheshire sofas, Hojlund and two other Man Utd cast-offs collected individual awards on Wednesday night.
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Rasmus Hojlund was named player of the match as Napoli earned a 2-1 win over SportingCredit: Getty
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Rasmus Hojlund points to Champions League badge on his Napoli shirt after opening the scoringCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Hojlund was assisted by former Man City foe Kevin De BruyneCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
United failed to qualify for Europe after losing last season’s Europa League final to Tottenham – but several of their former players proved the doubters wrong this week.
The Red Devils have endured another dismal start, with the club 14th in the Prem after six matches, following three defeats, two wins and a draw.
Hojlund, who was dropped from Ruben Amorim‘s squad after the arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig at the start of the season, continued his impressive start to loan life in Naples.
The Denmarkstriker‘s two goals secured a 2-1 win over Amorim’s former side Sporting Lisbon at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Hojlund, who joined United for £72m, opened the scoring in the 36th minute after racing onto a through ball from Kevin De Bruyne before calmly slotting home.
After Sporting equalised in the second half from the penalty spot, De Bruyne’s cross again assisted Hojlund’s header to restore Napoli‘s lead.
Ex-City rival De Bruyne praised Hojlund by offering a comparison to his former team-mate Erling Haaland, who is arguably considered the best striker in the world.
De Bruyne, 34, said: “We deserved the win today. I was trying to get into that space for the first goal and was waiting for the right moment to pass it to Rasmus.
“Luckily he did the rest. I think Rasmus is growing a lot and is very similar to Haaland. I think they are very similar because they both like to attack the depth.
“Maybe Hojlund comes to play the ball towards us more, but he needs to attack the space a lot because he can score and give us a big hand.”
‘A bad moment in life’ – Alejandro Garnacho breaks silence on Man Utd exile under Ruben Amorim
Hojlund has now scored three in his first five matches for Antonio Conte’s side since signing an initial loan, which carries an obligation to buy for £38million.
The 22-year-old, who would often become emotional after scoring for United, said: “It was the night you dream of, playing in the Champions League.
“I celebrated touching the Napoli badge because I’m happy to play here and the Champions League badge because I love to score in Europe.”
Hojlund wasn’t the only United reject to shine on Wednesday night.
Elanga has continued his rise since leaving Old Trafford for Nottingham Forest for £15m in 2023, with the winger earning a £55m move to Newcastle.
The Carrington graduate played a key role in the Toon’s first two goals in their 4-0 thrashing of Union Saint-Gilloise.
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Anthony Elanga took home the player award for NewcastleCredit: Instagram / @elanga
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Former United loanee Marcel Sabitzer won man of the match for Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty
His cross to Sandro Tonali led to Newcastle‘s first goal with the Italian’s shot flicked in by former United target Nick Woltemade, before he earned a penalty after being brought down by Fedde Leysen.
Marcus Rashford also continued his superb form for loan club Barcelona to take his goal contributions to six in six games.
The England star’s quick thinking low cross assisted Ferran Torres’s opener against holders Paris Saint-Germain in the 19th minute.
Despite PSG fighting back to win 2-1, with Senny Mayulu and Goncalo Ramos scoring for the French side, Rashford was a constant threat before coming off for Robert Lewandowski with 20 minutes to go.
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Marcus Rashford also continued his superb form for loan club BarcelonaCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Sabitzer, who had a short injury-ravaged loan spell at United in 2023, picked up the gong as Borussia Dortmund earned a 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.
Alejandro Garnacho, who started on Tuesday night, had played a big hand in Chelsea’s only goal of the game in their 1-0 win over Benfica at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed that United could consider organising midweek friendlies for their players to get more match-playing time.
The pressure is growing on Amorim ahead of their clash against an in-form Sunderland outfit at Old Trafford on Saturday.
But United are unbeaten in their previous 23 Prem meetings with newly- promoted teams – if that run were to end this weekend, it might prove fatal for Amorim.
OLIVER GLASNER, Fabian Hurzeler and Andoni Iraola are among the coaches under consideration to replace Ruben Amorim if he is sacked by Manchester United.
Amorim suffered his 17th Premier League defeat out of 33 games in charge of United against Brentford on Saturday, who have lost three of their six league matches this term.
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Manchester United have struggled under manager Ruben AmorimCredit: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock
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Although Amorim retains United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s backing, potential replacements are being consideredCredit: Lucy North/PA Wire
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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is being eyed by Man UtdCredit: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images
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Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is also being targeted by Man UtdCredit: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Although Amorim retains the club’s backing, United are keeping an eye on potential replacements amid their alarming form.
Club sources insist they do not have a successor to Amorim lined up but accept the speculation around the manager’s role.
Erik ten Hag was dismissed after four defeats from the first nine league fixtures last term, though the United hierarchy is more invested in Amorim, the first managerial appointment under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United initially placed an emphasis on Premier League-proven signings in the summer with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo and could apply that to their next managerial search.
That has had an impact on former England manager Gareth Southgate’s chances – he has not managed in the Premier League since Middlesbrough were relegated in 2009.
Southgate has suggested he may not return to management while his friend and ally, United director Sir Dave Brailsford, is no longer visible at the club after his disastrous attempt to improve performance at Old Trafford.
Glasner guided Crystal Palace to their first piece of silverware in the FA Cup last season and the Eagles are the only unbeaten side in the top flight, having ended Liverpool’s winning run with a 2-1 triumph on Saturday.
Iraola took charge of Bournemouth two years ago and led them to ninth last season.
However, there is not believed to have been any interest from the Red Devils as yet.
Amorim insists he’s right man
Amorim signed a two-and-a-half year contract with United when he was appointed as Ten Hag’s replacement last November but the club finished 15th last season, their worst top-flight finish since the team was relegated in 1974.
United have invested £256.82million in six signings on Amorim’s watch but the team have plunged to 14th following Saturday’s loss.
Sunderland travel to Old Trafford next week before the October internationals and United resume their schedule against Liverpool at Anfield on October 19.
United are winless in their last ten at Anfield and have not won there since January 2016.
Asked if he can turn it around at United, Amorim replied: “I’m always confident as I know what to do.
“When you lose, you go back to the same place and you fight again for one win that can help you to create the momentum.”
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Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola completes Man Utd’s shortlistCredit: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
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Gareth Southgate’s star is waning in United’s eyes and there are concerns over his compatibility with the club’s summer transfer approachCredit: Stu Forster/Getty Images
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Xavi is said to be interested but there are no indications that that interest has been reciprocatedCredit: AP
BRYAN ROBSON has told Manchester United chiefs to back Ruben Amorim for the long haul and slammed the club’s recent history of signing flops.
The United legend says the revolving door of managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 has wrecked any chance of stability, and insists under-fire former Sporting Lisbon boss must be given at least THREE years to fix the mess.
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Robson moved to United for a British record transfer fee of £1.5 million in 1981Credit: Getty
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Robson has backed Amorim to get things right at UnitedCredit: AFP
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Manchester United stars are under-performing despite Amorim being in charge for the last eight monthsCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Speaking to The Telegraph, Robson said: “We’ve changed managers that many times since 2013.
“I feel you have to stick and say, ‘No, we are not sacking the manager. We are not blaming.’
“When you have a little bit of money and the club are going to allow you to change your squad, you need three years to get the team right.
“For me, three years at Manchester United should be enough.”
Amorim, 40, has had a disastrous start to life as United boss, winning just eight of his first 31 games.
But Robson is urging the board to give him more time, despite fans on social media calling for his sacking.
Robson didn’t hold back when reflecting on the transfer blunders of the Ed Woodward era, suggesting too many signings simply weren’t up to scratch.
He fumed: “Look at the money we spend. It’s up to you to go around the world and get top players who are going to improve you.”
“I think five years ago some of the players we bought were just not good enough to be Manchester United players. It’s an accumulation of that.”
And Robbo, who captained United through some of their most hard-fought years, believes the club lost its way by ignoring experienced Premier League stars in favour of flashy foreign names.
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“The other thing I think we went away from is getting good, experienced Premier League players.
“So when they get to 28, you bring them on board if you can. There have been loads of players who have left clubs.”
And his message to United’s decision-makers couldn’t be clearer.
He added: “When I was in management, I believed that if you bought average players, you got an average team.”
But he wouldn’t listen and in the end the manager felt the Argentine youngster was bringing a negative vibe to the dressing room.
And his regular outbursts on social media – as well as the mainstream media – also riled the former Sporting Lisbon coach.
Amorim was looking forward to working with the winger when he took over in November but that all changed after his conduct in Plzen in December.
The coach also tired of Garnacho’s moodiness and temper tantrums when things were not going his way.
So in the end a parting of the ways became inevitable and sources close to Amorim say he has not regretted his stance once.
Could that change if the Carrington graduate inspires a Chelsea win at the Theatre of Dreams this weekend though?
Battle to keep ‘Kid Messi’
UNITED starlet JJ Gabriel continues to catch the eye with his performances both within the club’s academy and further afield.
A host of German clubs are understood to have made their interest in him clear should he and his family wish to follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho by leaving England to further his career in the Bundesliga.
The 14-year-old, who recently enjoyed a holiday in Barcelona, is contracted with United until the end of next season, and has produced a string of impressive performances after being promoted to the U18s.
A source said: “The success of the likes of Bellingham and Sancho in Germany is a big selling point for German clubs trying to poach some of the Premier League’s best young talents.
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JJ Gabriel has drawn interest from GermanyCredit: Getty
“They can offer them first team football at an earlier age than a lot of clubs in the UK.”
United remain convinced they gave JJ and his family compelling reasons why Carrington remains the best place for him to continue his development.
The teenager has met with manager Amorim and could well spend time training with the first team squad this season.
His development is being closely monitored by United U18s boss Darren Fletcher.
Under the knife
SPEAKING of Fletcher, his success as U18s academy boss has been noted with four wins out of four so far this season.
It’s all the more impressive given the former midfielder injured himself during a United v Celtic legends game earlier this month raised money for both clubs’ foundations.
Fletcher opened the scoring in the game which ended 2-2 before Celtic clinched victory on penalties.
Fletcher, 41, underwent an operation on his knee this week as a result, but refused to take time off and has been on the sidelines for each game.
A source said: “He’s Scottish. He’s made of tough stuff.”
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Darren Fletcher had surgery after damaging his knee during the United Legends game at Celtic ParkCredit: Kenny Ramsay
Denis Irwin’s sweet return
UNITED fans are invited to engage with three organisations doing big work to improve men’s mental health at Old Trafford this Saturday.
Representatives from ‘Andy’s Man Club’ will be stationed within the Pop-Up Pub by the Stretford End, inviting supporters to learn more about the suicide prevention charity.
The group offers free peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online, as part of their mission to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health through the power of conversation.
Fans with tickets to the game can enjoy live music, fast pours, local food and a Q&A with club legends Denis Irwin and Gary Pallister.
Salford-based charity ‘Talk About It Mate’ will also have a space in the East Stand forecourt from 2pm before kick-off.
CHIDO Obi enjoyed a meteoric rise last season, signing for United from Arsenal and quickly making his first team debut under Amorim.
The 17-year-old went on to make seven first team appearances but has found himself back down the pecking order after United splashed out £74m on Slovenian target man Benjamin Sesko.
And while Danish international Chido hasn’t been on the bench for any first team games this season, his development – in both size and skill – are continuing at the academy.
A source said: “Chido is still sometimes involved in first team training now but the noticeable development for him is his size.
“He is a tall boy but has started to put on some significant muscle on his frame, which he needs.”
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Chido Obi is continuing to develop in the academyCredit: Getty
Chido is working under the guidance of United’s sharpest academy coaches who regularly provide updates to Amorim.
United’s U21 boss Travis Binnion said earlier this season: “We have not even scraped the top of the iceberg with him yet. There is loads to come.
“He is dying to be a footballer. He is hungry. He is learning the game. He is learning how to project himself and how to play in a team.
“For us, he is a priority. He is 17. He needs to understand this is a golden period to develop his game.”
Hitman tribute
RICKY HATTON may have been a Blue, but United’s players, staff and fans were equally as devastated by news of his passing before Sunday’s derby.
Many of the first team had met the boxer at big fights and were admirers of his hugely successful career, which delighted fans from both sides of Manchester.
The club intends to mark his tragic passing in the programme for the clash against Chelsea.
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Ricky Hatton was found dead in his Manchester home last Sunday
MANCHESTER UNITED fans are calling for a club legend to replace struggling manager Ruben Amorim at the helm.
This comes after the five-time Premier League champion made his punditry debut at Amazon Prime during the Champions League‘s opening week.
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Manchester United fans have called for a club legend to replace manager Ruben AmorimCredit: Chris Foxwell/ProSports/Shutterstock
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Man Utd fans want Michael Carrick to become the next managerCredit: Katie Chan/Every Second Media
That is none other than United hero Michael Carrick, who was joined by fellow club icons Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney, with whom he won the Champions League in 2008.
And Man Utd fans were left in awe with the ex-England international’s knowledge and insight while discussing tactics at the studio ahead of his other former club Tottenham‘s clash with Villarreal.
So much so that a number of the Red Devils’ faithful took to social media calling for minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to bring the former Middlesbrough manager to the Old Trafford hotseat.
One fan tweeted: “I want Carrick!”
Another commented: “Would give Carrick a run.”
A third wrote: “Give Carrick at a run at it. If he’s good give him a permanent.”
This fan said: “Why is Carrick doing punditry? He should be at home planning the filthy 4-2-3-1 he’s gonna cook up for us in a few weeks.”
That one posted: “Carrick such an intelligent and good pundit.”
And another fan stated: “Michael Carrick doing punditry for Amazon, bring him to the club.”
This comes amid United‘s worst ever Premier League start which has seen Amorim’s men lose two of their first four matches, of which they barely won one.
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This follows the Manchester giants’ worst ever Prem finish last season, which saw them sink to 15th place under the Portuguese tactician.
But club bosses are continuing to back the 40-year-old as it is still early in the season.
Nevertheless, Man Utd would have to pay the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss a huge severance fee if they sack him before November 1.
Amorim would be in line to pocket a whopping £12million if he is axed before the first anniversary of him taking the job.
The United head coach’s coaching staff would also be in line for a pay-off if Ratcliffe decided to pull the plug.
Amorim ignored Mainoo while the window was still open but had a heart-to-heart during the international break — telling him he is not the finished product and could do more.
“I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed but I did this week.
“I didn’t want him thinking I was having the conversation just to hold on to him. Some people think he is there but I think he can do so much better.
“For some guys it’s enough, for him it’s not enough. Maybe it’s not fair but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo.
“I have the same feeling that you have. That he’s a top, top player. But he can be so much better. So I’m focused on that.
“He’s not used to fighting for his place, maybe. He is uncomfortable but he is a very good kid — and he is fighting.”
Mainoo looked set for superstardom when he scored for his boyhood club in their FA Cup final win over City and then started for England in the Euro 2024 final, despite defeat to Spain.
Amorim added: “I know he started the final of the European Championship in a team that has a lot of talented players.
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“Phil Foden played that game. Cole Palmer was on the bench. He was playing. But sometimes I have a different way of seeing the game.”
The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss explained where he thinks Mainoo can improve.
The United boss added: “He needs to have the technical ability that he has but he needs more pace.
“He needs to play at different speeds. Sometimes he’s slower and sometimes he’s faster. He can improve on that.
“And then he has to beat Bruno Fernandes. He has to beat Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. They are good players also. I need to choose.”
Amorim pointed to fellow Portuguese Vitinha, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield general, as a player who once struggled but is now thriving.
He said: “Sometimes it’s about the opinion of a coach. I remember Vitinha was not playing for Wolves. Nowadays, Vitinha is maybe the best midfielder in the world.”
Onana was left out of the starting XI for the opening Premier League games against Arsenal and Fulham.
He then put in another error-strewn display in the humiliating Carabao Cup defeat at Grimsby.
Former Man Utd manager forced to ride E-Bike across pitch to get to tunnel during World Cup qualifier
It saw him dropped again for the Prem win over Burnley before United made a deadline-day £18.2million swoop for 23-year-old Belgian Senne Lammens.
And it has emerged that insiders felt Onana was showing a lack of involvement and interest in working for the team in the final days before the international break.
That included the former Ajax and Inter Milan keeper effectively refusing to even acknowledge his manager in training.
So Amorim was happy to wave through Onana’s exit, leaving him with Lammens, struggling Turk Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton, 39.
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Senne Lammens could make his debut against Man CityCredit: Getty
Amorim has to decide whether to give Lammens a debut at the Etihad or stick with Bayindir for now.
Meanwhile, Onana copped more flak for the 1-0 defeat by Cape Verde on Tuesday that virtually ended Cameroon’s hopes of automatic World Cup qualification.