Ruben Amorim verdict at West Ham shared amid latest Manchester United development
Dan Bardell believes West Ham would have appointed Ruben Amorim ahead of Julen Lopetegui if handed the chance amid links to Manchester United.
The Red Devils look set to pay the £8.3million release clause to Sporting Lisbon to bring him in to replace Erik Ten Hag [Fabrizio Romano].
The Hammers were in talks with the Portuguese manager before landing on Lopetegui over the summer.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT Journalist Bardell has suggested that the Irons would have chosen Amorim over the Spaniard if given the opportunity before a potential move to Old Trafford.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Bardell said: “I feel like if West Ham could have got Amorim then they would have.
“I think it was him who decided that he wasn’t going to make that move and wait out for something else, like Manchester United, instead.
“There were talks that he ended early and it hasn’t gone great under Lopetegui so far. I was unsure about the appointment at the time and I’m definitely unsure now.
“There is no doubt that if they could have got Amorim through the door they would have got him over Lopetegui that’s for certain.“
West Ham miss out on Ruben Amorim to Manchester United
The Hammers had a tough task during the summer transfer window to replace David Moyes who had such a positive spell at the London Stadium.
The prospect of Amorim coming in from Sporting certainly excited fans, especially as he seemed to be forcing through a move by travelling to the UK off his own back.
A deal never went through and Lopetegui was chosen in East London but things haven’t exactly gone swimmingly so far.
The Spaniard secured a win last time out against Manchester United and now that looks to be the destination for his Portuguese counterpart.
In other West Ham news, officials have been sent to Sweden to watch a teenage gem amid Premier League competition.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channelfor instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.