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Former West Ham Boss Lopetegui in Line For Astonishing Return

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Former West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui is reportedly on a three-man shortlist to succeed Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.

That’s the latest news emerging from multiple Spanish media sources in what can only be described as an astonishing update.

Amorim—who, as I’m sure everyone remembers, was Sporting Lisbon’s highly-rated coach—was a top target for West Ham before the club opted for the cheaper option in Lopetegui.

The Portuguese boss has since taken charge at Manchester United but has struggled at Old Trafford, which seems like an absolutely bonkers place to work right now. Granted, Amorim’s reign has been underwhelming, but United clearly have deep-rooted issues that have hampered a string of good coaches and players.

Now, it appears Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new regime has decided that the solution to the club’s problems is to appoint former West Ham manager Lopetegui.

Manchester United currently sit 14th in the Premier League, level on points with West Ham. Understandably, the decision-makers at Old Trafford see their current position as unacceptable—but why they believe Lopetegui is the answer remains anyone’s guess.

If there’s any truth in these reports, we’ll likely find out soon. With a Europa League clash against Real Sociedad in two days, things could get messy

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Kris Gonzo (commonly known to the West Ham community as Gonzo) is the co-founder of Hammers Chat (established 2014) and the lead video content creator and columnist for Claret and Hugh.

With over a decade of professional sports media experience, he is a frequent West Ham United analyst and contributor for Sky Sports News, BBC Football Focus, and BBC Radio 5 Live. He previously served as an official video and content creator for West Ham United FC during the club's tenure at Upton Park and featured in the official documentary commemorating the historic final game at the Boleyn Ground.

A lifelong Hammer since the legendary 10-0 victory over Bury, when he isn't providing daily match analysis on the Hammers Chat YouTube Channel or broadcasting on X (@GONZObignose), he can be found walking his dog and restoring classic pinball machines.

9 comments

  • West Ham Fan No 32 says:

    Good if true Utd will continue to slide.

  • Bonzosboy says:

    oh PUHLEEEEAAASE make this happen!!! 😆 we should all get at least 3 months of absolute hilarity. and we deserve it

  • B says:

    The description of ‘astonishing’ is an understatement.
    Maybe ‘Fantastical’ or IMHO ‘Hysterical’….!
    I would be delighted for this to happen.

  • Macephtopheles says:

    Look, as a person then Lopetegui seems a pretty classy guy but what the hell is going on at Man Spew these days?

    Apparently Ashworth was put on gardening leave and sacked because he was firmly of the belief that Gareth Southgate should have been appointed and not Amorim (seemingly there were a lot thinking Southgate would be a good appointment…) and now they’re apparently looking at Lopetegui? Weird.

    I wish Lopetegui well and all but when you consider that his CV could include Real Madrid, Spain, Sevilla, Porto and now potentially Man United then with only one trophy to his name you’ve got to ask “…how?”

  • Annette Markham says:

    Happy days for at least the other 19 teams in the league

  • John Ayris says:

    There’s a lot wrong at Man Utd and it’s doubtful that any manager can put it right, it needs a complete culture change. But even at Man Utd there cannot possibly be anyone deranged enough to think Lopetegui is the man for the job.

  • Perter Kay says:

    Hope it happens!!! I’d love to see Manure fall further into the mire!!!

  • Ray says:

    Does anyone in football pay attention? I wouldn’t hire Lopetegui for the Coach & Horses Sunday 2nd eleven. I’d offer my own services for £1M but it’s Man. U so I’ll pass.

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