LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP)— Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim has quickly emerged as the leading contender to take over as Manchester United manager after Erik ten Hag was sacked.

According to reports on Tuesday, United are in talks with the 39-year-old Portuguese coach after Ten Hag was dismissed on Monday following a disastrous start to the season.

However, United are also reportedly considering Brentford’s manager Thomas Frank and Fulham boss Marco Silva.

United pulled the plug on Dutchman Ten Hag’s two-year reign on Monday after a 2-1 defeat by West Ham the previous day left one of the world’s wealthiest clubs 14th in the Premier League.

Despite spending heavily in the transfer market in the summer, United have won one of their last eight games in all competitions.

Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been named interim boss but according to media reports, United are focusing on Amorim, who is considered one of Europe’s leading young coaches.

He has won two Portuguese titles with Sporting since joining the club in March 2020.

Sky Sports reported United had already held discussions with Amorim.

But he dismissed speculation about his position by saying: “I won’t talk about my future. I am very proud to be Sporting Lisbon coach.”

Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler, a young manager already making his way in the Premier League, was asked Tuesday what advice he’d give Amorim should he leave Portugal for Old Trafford.

“39 and he’s eight years older than me,” said Hurzeler. “He’s already achieved great things in Portugal. I’ve seen some games of him, he plays incredible football.

“I’m not in a position to give him advice, if needs advice he can probably ask Pep (Guardiola) or Jurgen Klopp.”

Amorim was linked with the manager’s role at Liverpool following the departure of Klopp this year, but Dutch coach Arne Slot headed to Anfield instead.

The position of Ten Hag, 54, had been repeatedly called into question after United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe retained him following an internal review at the end of last season when the club finished eighth in the league but won the FA Cup with a shock victory over Manchester City.

But United, who last won the Premier League in 2013, have shown little improvement this season.

The British media were damning on Tuesday about Ten Hag, who repeatedly talked about having a “plan” only for his teams to appear badly organised.

The Times said blame should fall on Ratcliffe, the British billionaire who took a stake in United in February and promised to rejuvenate a club that has not won the Premier League title since 2013.