Football

Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager. The Portuguese coach, 39, is reportedly in talks with United after ten Hag's dismissal on Monday following a dismal start to the season.Amorim, considered one of Europe's top young coaches, has been linked with the Liverpool manager's role in the past. He was also linked with United after Jurgen Klopp's departure this year, but Arne Slot was appointed instead.United's decision to sack ten Hag came after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham left them 14th in the Premier League. Despite heavy spending in the summer transfer market, United have won only one of their last eight games in all competitions.Amorim's potential appointment would mark a significant shift in United's managerial strategy. The club has traditionally favored experienced managers, but Amorim's youth and attacking philosophy could signal a new era.However, Brentford's Thomas Frank and Fulham's Marco Silva are also reportedly being considered. Frank has impressed with Brentford's performances in the Premier League, while Silva has guided Fulham to promotion and a strong start to this season.United's search for a new manager comes amid a wider restructuring of the club's football operations. Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has promised to rejuvenate the club, which has not won the Premier League title since 2013.Ten Hag's departure marks the end of a turbulent two-year reign. He won the League Cup and reached the FA Cup final in his first season, but his second season has been marred by poor results and a lack of clear playing style.Injuries to key players and the failure to integrate expensive signings have contributed to United's struggles. The club's new sporting structure, led by Ratcliffe, has also faced criticism for its lack of clarity and direction.Amorim's potential appointment would be a bold move by United. The Portuguese coach has a proven track record of success, but he has also shown a willingness to take risks. If he is appointed, he will face the challenge of rebuilding a United team that has lost its way in recent years.

Xavi Hernandez, the legendary Barcelona midfielder, is reportedly in high demand following his departure from the Catalan club. Despite guiding Barcelona to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals and a second-place finish in La Liga, Xavi's tenure was marked by disagreements with the club's hierarchy.According to journalist Pedro Almeida, Chelsea are set to initiate talks with Xavi to assess his potential as their next manager. The Blues parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino after a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Premier League.Xavi's departure from Barcelona was a surprise, as he had initially announced his intention to leave at the end of the season but later reversed his decision. However, his recent comments about the club's financial struggles and his belief that Barcelona would struggle against European giants next season reportedly irked club president Joan Laporta and other members.During his two-and-a-half-year tenure, Xavi compiled an impressive record of 90 wins, 23 draws, and 29 defeats in 142 games. He also led Barcelona to the La Liga title in his first full season.However, Xavi expressed disappointment at the end of the season, feeling that his work was not sufficiently appreciated. "I have the feeling that everything I have done in these two and a half years has caused an earthquake. I have been targeted many times in many situations," he said."I think that the work has not been sufficiently appreciated. This year we haven't been up to the task because of details. We had four key games in which we couldn't finish the good work we had done," he added.Chelsea are reportedly considering Xavi as one of several potential candidates to replace Pochettino. Other managers linked with the Blues include Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna, and Enzo Maresca.