Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has reportedly told friends he could be a shock contender to replace Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, who himself has admitted that he "can’t control" what the future holds for him, should he lose his job.
Just a week ago, United co-owner Ratcliffe revealed that he wanted Amorim to see out the remainder of his contract at Old Trafford, which would see him stay at the club until 2027.
"Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years," he told The Business Podcast produced by The Times and The Sunday Times.
"We have to be patient. We have a long-term plan. It isn't a light switch. You can't run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week."
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But, according to The Sun, former City boss Mancini has told his friends that he feels he could have a serious shot at the United job, should Amorim be axed.
Mancini has been out of work since he left his role at the helm of the Saudi Arabian national team one year ago, and would be a shock replacement at Old Trafford, given his links to their bitter local rivals.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe revealed his plan to stick with Ruben Amorim in a recent interview with the Times
| THE TIMESThe Italian guided Man City to their first-ever Premier League title in the 2011/12 season, becoming just the second Italian to lift the trophy after Carlo Ancelotti in 2010.
That season wasn’t without its drama; a certain Sergio Aguero completed a late City comeback against QPR to clinch the trophy in one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history.
Roberto Mancini guided Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012
|PA
Mancini also oversaw Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, beating England on penalties to lift the trophy at Wembley.
But while the link between Mancini and United seems somewhat far-fetched, it comes as Amorim himself shut down Ratcliffe’s previous remarks about remaining at the club for three years, insisting his team needs "more pressure" and that he "can’t control" his future.
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Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim admitted he 'cannot control' the future amid speculation surrounding his job
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"It is really good to hear it, but he tells me all the time, sometimes with a message after games - but you know, I know and Jim knows, that football is not like that," he said.
"The most important thing is the next game. Even with owners, you cannot control the next day in football.
"It's not just a thing that people talk about, I feel it every day. It's really good to hear it because it helps our fans to understand the leadership know it is going to take a while.
"But at the same moment, I don't like it because it gives a feeling that we have time to work things out. I don't want that feeling in our club.
"The pressure I put on the team or on myself is so much bigger [than that from outside]. In football, especially in big clubs, you need to prove yourself every weekend."
After a sloppy start to the season, Amorim’s side has now won three consecutive games at Old Trafford.
They travel to Anfield this weekend, in what poses their sternest test to date.
The Portuguese will be looking to dispel the rumours surrounding his future, despite Ratcliffe’s prudent public defence, by continuing to win games of football.
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