Rival manager makes Erik ten Hag prediction and comments on Ruben Amorim to Man United

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has shared his thoughts on Manchester United’s decision to sack former manager Erik ten Hag, but he remained tight-lipped when asked about the Dutchman’s expected replacement.

United’s bitter 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Hammers last weekend triggered the chain of events this week that saw Ten Hag sacked, Ruud van Nistelrooy appointed as interim, and the club agreeing a fee with Sporting CP to bring in Ruben Amorim as a permanent successor.

In the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, under Van Nistelrooy’s leadership, the team beat Leicester City 5-2 to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition. But, it appears the club’s hierarchy are already closing in on their preferred replacement in Amorim.

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Lopetegui, who has been under pressure himself this season due to West Ham’s mixed start to the season, was asked about Ten Hag’s departure during his pre-Nottingham Forest press conference on Thursday. The 58-year-old admitted he expects to see the Dutchman back in a job soon, but he refused to comment on Amorim’s expected arrival at Old Trafford.

"I wish the best for him [Ten Hag],” Lopetegui said. “He did very good work and he's a very good coach.

“I understand these kind of moments. I'm sure that very soon he is going to be working again, for sure.

"I am not commenting [on Amorim]. Ruud [van Nistelrooy] is the coach. I don't have to comment on something that hasn't happened right now. I have enough problems in my mind with Nottingham Forest. This is enough for me, for sure."

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