Marco Silva to Man Utd - what Fulham boss already said about future amid 'approach' to replace Ten Hag

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Manchester United are reportedly looking at Fulham manager Marco Silva as a potential Erik ten Hag replacement.

Fulham manager Marco Silva is in the running to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United after the Dutchman was sacked by the Premier League outfit on Monday.

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The Red Devils sit 14th in the top flight after the opening nine fixtures but there had been unrest and questions over Ten Hag's future for months before the 2024/25 campaign despite both a Carabao Cup in 2023 and a FA Cup win in 2024. Manchester United have now begun the search for a new head coach.

In a club statement on Monday, United said: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

"We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited."

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Machester United ‘approach’ Fulham manager

Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has emerged as an early frontrunner for the vacant Manchester United job but Fulham boss Marco Silva has also emerged as an option being looked at by the Red Devils.

The Manchester Evening News reports that Amorim has agreed a deal with Manchester United but journalist Guillem Balague adds that the Premier League club has also approached Marco Silva to enquire about his interest in the job.

Amorim is a frontrunner for the Manchester United job.Amorim is a frontrunner for the Manchester United job.
Amorim is a frontrunner for the Manchester United job. | APA/AFP via Getty Images

The Portuguese coach has impressed with the job he has done at Fulham with the London club enjoying an impressive start to the season. The Cottagers sit 10th in the table and have been praised for their style of football so far this term. Silva was said to be on Manchester United's list to replace Ten Hag in the summer before Ineos decided to keep the 54-year-old, handing him a new one-year extension.

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Marco Silva contracted at Fulham until 2026

Silva is currently contracted at Craven Cottage until the end of the 2025/26 season thanks to a deal signed last October. Speaking as he put pen to paper a year ago, the former Everton and Watford boss said: "I’m really pleased to sign a new contract as it was something we had been discussing for some time. It’s always a good sign when both parties are happy and want to continue working together.

“I feel that the business is not done yet, we’ve had two great seasons, and the goal is clearly there to sustain this Club in the Premier League. This is key for the future of this Club, and we are working hard to achieve it.

"It is important to feel the trust and have the support of our owners. My relationship with them, and with Fulham Football Club as a whole, has been really important in this decision and the success of the last two seasons.

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"The commitment and ambition that these players have demonstrated since day one has been the key to what we have achieved, and that will always continue to be the case, along with the unconditional support of our fans, who are fundamental. Let’s continue together on this long journey."

Silva - “I have a contract, simple as that”

As Fulham finished the last Premier League campaign with a 4-2 win over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, Silva was once again asked about his future at the club. He replied: "I have a contract. That's it, simple as that.

Marco Silva has supposedly been approached by Man Utd.Marco Silva has supposedly been approached by Man Utd.
Marco Silva has supposedly been approached by Man Utd. | Getty Images

"It's been another successful season for this football club, 100% sure. What we have been achieving the last three years and have three seasons in the Premier League is probably something that didn't happen in the last 10 to 15 years of Fulham Football Club. The way we have been getting this job done has been really enjoyable for our fans.

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"Being a successful season, I cannot hide to you that in one moment of the season, I expected us to fight for something more. I'm always really ambitious as a person, not because of just who I am as a person but what I see every day in training sessions."

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