Ten Hag has gone. The coach left having failed to transform United into a collective, competitive and reliable unit. Unorthodox methods, a failure to connect with the dressing room and many players brought in without adhering to the mould that the manager’s idea of football demanded. 

Van Nistelrooy has taken over as interim manager. The have started scoring, but United’s plan is to appoint Rubén Amorim as their new manager. Currently manager at Sporting, he wants to finish the season there before making the move, whereas the Red Devils are willing to pay his release clause. Omar Berrada, CEO of Manchester United, wants him to lead the project, although his determination to sign the Portuguese coach is suspected to be driven by his insider knowledge (he used to work for Manchester City) that he is set to take over from Guardiola. 

Rubén Amorim for Guardiola is the next step for Manchester City following Txiki’s departure at the end of the season. Berrada was privy to this plan during his time on the Board at City and, now, he wants to leave his biggest rivals without a natural successor. Van Nistelrooy now, Amorim, later. United are looking to do things differently and, for the first time, take the initiative.