Topics: Paul Scholes, Manchester United, Premier League, Ruben Amorim, Sporting CP, Sporting Lisbon
Paul Scholes has predicted where Manchester United could finish in the Premier League if Ruben Amorim takes over as manager.
Earlier this week, Amorim emerged as the leading candidate to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, after the Dutchman was relieved of his duties following United's 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Sunday.
The 39-year-old, who has guided Sporting CP to two Portuguese titles and two League Cups since his arrival in 2020, has since verbally agreed to become the next United manager, according to widespread reports.
In fact, Sporting have confirmed United's interest in recruiting Amorim, with the Premier League club willing to pay a €10 million (£8.3m) release clause to get their man.
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According to The Guardian, the deal is currently being held up by negotiations with Sporting regarding his 30-day notice period. United, meanwhile, want Amorim in charge for Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.
Whether he will make the Old Trafford touchline for Sunday's game is unclear, but Paul Scholes has explained why United should delay Amorim's arrival and give interim Ruud van Nistelrooy his chance in the hot seat.
"I know he’s meant to sign in the coming days and hours, but Sporting play Manchester City next week, and Arsenal in the next three or four weeks [November 26]," he said on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet.
"It might be a chance to give him a public interview - see how he handles the media and see how his team plays. In England, we don’t watch a lot of Portuguese football, so we don’t know too much.
"We see them a bit in European football and all the things we hear about him are good – exciting football, three at the back and possession based. If he comes in to do that, it could be exciting."
So where will United finish if Amorim takes over? "At the very best, Manchester United could finish 4th in the league,' said Scholes. "It's very hard to see that happening at this point, you'd probably say 6th [is more realistic]."
The former Manchester United midfielder also believes United missed a trick by not hiring Thomas Tuchel when he was available.
"I think Thomas Tuchel was the right one to coach Manchester United - but obviously he’s gone now with England," he added. "He’s someone that can manage an elite football club and win big games. He’s been there and done it.
“On Amorim, the hype feels a bit like when Ten Hag joined, he’s coming from the Portuguese league which is a bit better than the Dutch league. What he’s done there has been good, he looks charismatic and he has a bit about him."
