From Stratford Flop to Old Trafford Shock? United Eye Controversial Candidate

As Manchester United reels from a disastrous start to the 2025/26 season, pressure is mounting on manager Ruben Amorim. With the club stuck near the bottom of the Premier League and humiliated by League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, the speculation over his future is only growing.

One surprising name being linked with the Old Trafford hot seat is Julen Lopetegui—the very same man who left West Ham with a miserable 31.82% win rate. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, United’s board view him as a “reliable replacement” should Amorim get the axe.

The irony won’t be lost on Hammers fans. After all, West Ham held talks with Amorim before turning to Lopetegui in 2024—a decision that backfired badly as the club flirted with relegation before Graham Potter was drafted in.

West Ham flop has impressive record

Lopetegui’s CV may look impressive on the surface, with spells at Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla, but his spell in Stratford was nothing short of a disaster. Since leaving the London Stadium, he’s resurfaced as Qatar manager, winning one and losing two of his first three games.

Despite that, United reportedly admire his “ability to rebuild projects and make competitive teams.” A curious claim given his recent failings, but perhaps they’re banking on experience to steady a squad that looks fractured despite heavy investment.

For West Ham supporters, the whole thing is almost laughable. The man who couldn’t fix the mess in East London might now be parachuted into Manchester’s chaos. Football, as Jimmy Greaves said, really is a funny old game.