Amorim in Pole Position for AC Milan Job as Ibrahimović Backs Former Man Utd Boss

​Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has taken the lead in the race to become the next AC Milan head coach, following a breakthrough in negotiations between the club and his representatives.

​The Portuguese tactician, who has been out of work since his dismissal from Old Trafford in January, is reportedly the preferred choice of Milan’s senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimović. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Rossoneri have already put a provisional two-year contract on the table for the 41-year-old, which includes an option for a third season and a fixed salary of around €4 million per year.

​The San Siro Restructuring

​Milan are undergoing a complete overhaul of their football operations after parting ways with Massimiliano Allegri in May. Allegri was relieved of his duties following a catastrophic collapse in the final weeks of the Serie A season, which saw the 19-time Italian champions win just three of their last ten matches, ultimately missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification.

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​While former Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner—fresh off winning the UEFA Conference League title with the Eagles—had previously agreed to personal terms, Amorim’s stock has surged dramatically in the last 24 hours. Milan owner Gerry Cardinale is prioritizing a tactical identity built on an aggressive high-pressing system and a high defensive line, a blueprint closely matching the 3-4-3 system Amorim successfully deployed during his trophy-laden spell at Sporting CP.

​Rival Candidates Face Hurdles

​The managerial shortlist at the San Siro has narrowed due to financial and contractual roadblocks from other targets:

• ​Oliver Glasner: Previously the frontrunner, his chances have slipped as Milan’s hierarchy pivoted toward Amorim, despite Glasner prioritizing the Milan role over an offer from Feyenoord.

• ​Matthias Jaissle: The Al-Ahli boss remains under consideration, but his €6 million release clause poses a steep financial challenge for the Italian club.

• ​Ralf Rangnick: Out of the running after committing his future to the Austria national team until 2028.

• ​Mauricio Pochettino: The current United States national team manager held exploratory talks earlier in the summer but is focused on international commitments.

​A Storyline Built for Pre-Season

​Should Amorim finalize his move to Italy, a dramatic reunion awaits him almost immediately. AC Milan are scheduled to face Manchester United in a high-profile pre-season friendly in Wrocław, Poland, on August 15, giving the Portuguese manager an early opportunity to face his former employers.

​For Milan, appointing Amorim represents a calculated risk on a project-oriented manager who can rebuild a fractured squad. For Amorim, the San Siro offers the perfect platform to restore his continental reputation after his turbulent 14-month tenure in England.