Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is reportedly eyeing a sensational return to English football, with claims emerging that he could replace Ruben Amorim at Manchester United if the Portuguese coach is dismissed.
Amorim has been under increasing pressure following a challenging start to the season. Despite a recent win over Sunderland, United’s inconsistency and early exit from the Carabao Cup have raised questions about his future. Before the Sunderland game, Amorim admitted that poor results could jeopardize his tenure, acknowledging that “time could be running out” if performances did not improve.
While INEOS and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe have publicly backed Amorim, internal discussions suggest that alternatives are being quietly assessed. Ratcliffe expressed confidence in the 40-year-old coach, insisting that he would not make a knee-jerk decision and that Amorim deserved time to prove himself. He even hinted at a three-year plan to evaluate the manager’s long-term impact.
Despite these assurances, whispers around Old Trafford suggest that the club may not be as patient if results continue to falter. Mancini, who guided Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012 and led Italy to Euro 2020 glory, is believed to have told close friends that he could be in line for the United job should Amorim leave.
The 60-year-old Italian has been out of management since departing from his role with the Saudi Arabian national team nearly a year ago. Reports indicate that Mancini has connections with Ratcliffe, with the two men sharing mutual acquaintances and occasionally attending events in the south of France. This relationship could make Mancini an attractive candidate should United decide to make a managerial change.
However, Mancini’s close association with Manchester City presents a potential stumbling block. He remains a revered figure among City supporters, and a move to their fierce rivals would undoubtedly be controversial. Nonetheless, his proven track record and experience at the highest level make him a credible option.
Other names such as Gareth Southgate and Oliver Glasner have also surfaced as potential successors. Yet for now, Amorim retains Ratcliffe’s support as United seek stability amid mounting expectations. Whether Mancini’s interest materializes into a serious offer may depend entirely on United’s results in the coming weeks.
