Why West Ham opted against hiring Ruben Amorim in new manager search

The critics are already pointing to how Manchester United’s new manager-in-waiting Ruben Amorim held talks with West Ham six months ago and the fact a deal never materialised.

It is being used as a stick to beat United within some quarters, and unfairly so because we shouldn’t overlook the hefty termination clause required to get Amorim out of Sporting Lisbon.

Amorim, 39, looks set to replace Erik ten Hag this week, with the Reds believed to be closing in on a deal with Sporting.

United want to get a deal done for Amorim in time for him to take charge of the team for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea.

Amorim was reportedly close to replacing David Moyes as West Ham manager in April after being flown into London to hold talks with West Ham.

West Ham decided to stick with David Moyes, who they fired at the end of the season, only to bring in Julen Lopetegui as their new permanent manager.

A source close to the club has told the Daily Mail they felt appointing Amorim would represent a gamble (as would any manager) because he has only managed one top club in his own country.

Since when do West Ham consider themselves a top club? That’s news to us!

Ruben Amorim made positive impression on West Ham

The source insists talks went well and Amorim made a positive impression, but West Ham decided to pursue an alternative option.

In order words, they either weren’t willing to pay his termination (which was a larger sum last season) or they didn’t want to gamble on a young coach.

West Ham took an alternative approach, and hopefully, it’s one United can benefit from, but that won’t stop people using this as a bizarre stick to beat the Reds with…

This will be Amorim’s first job outside of Portugal, so it will take time for him to fully adjust to the Premier League. He has won two Portuguese titles as Sporting manager and knows what it takes to win matches consistently with his side unbeaten this season.