Ratcliffe wanted Silva at Man United before leadership team chose Amorim

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe liked the idea of appointing Fulham boss Marco Silva to replace Erik ten Hag, according to the Daily Mail.

However, members of the Red Devils’ leadership committee chose Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorin instead.

Silva held exploratory discussions about the Man United job during the close season, and he was among the fall-back options had a deal for his Sporting counterpart fallen through.

The 47-year-old would have cost the Red Devils £10 million in compensation had they followed through on their pursuit, but Man United have gone for Amorim.

The Old Trafford chiefs were impressed at the way the former Watford and Everton manager has consolidated Fulham’s top-flight position since helping them back to the Premier League in 2022.

He has managed 259 games across four English clubs, and it is unsurprising that Ratcliffe would have preferred him given his experience across the Premier League and Championship.

However, Amorim won the hearts of the others in the leadership committee, and he is expected to be in charge of Man United after the November international break.

The 39-year-old will be in the dugout when the Red Devils play in the Premier League away to Ipswich Town on November 24 following a full agreement with Sporting.

The Portuguese top-flight club are expected to make an announcement today, and he will remain in charge for their next three games as part of the agreement.

Man United have agreed to pay £10m in compensation for Amorim, his backroom staff and also to cover allowing him to leave without fulfilling the required 30-day notice period.

Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy oversaw the 5-2 win over Leicester City in the round of 16 of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

He will remain in charge when they play Chelsea and Leicester in the Premier League and PAOK Thessaloniki in the Europa League.