Man United could rescue West Ham from themselves over the manager nobody wants as fans revolt at reported David Sullivan plan.
West Ham fans are in uproar over the club’s reported plans to replace David Moyes.
But ironically one of his former clubs Manchester United could save the owners from what many believe will prove a big mistake.
Moyes is not the only Premier League boss reportedly clinging to his job by his fingernails.
Man United’s Erik ten Hag will do well to still be managing Man United at the start of next season if speculation is accurate.
For Hammers majority owner David Sullivan that could prove to be a blessing in disguise.
Reports abound from a host of sources that out of work former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is now set to be named as Moyes’ replacement by West Ham.
Word is technical director Tim Steidten and sporting director Mark Noble are pushing for Ruben Amorim.
However, Sullivan has been impressed by Lopetegui who walked out on Wolves in August having done the same to Sevilla to join them before that.
But Man United could rescue West Ham from themselves over manager nobody wants as fans revolt.
The strength of feeling among Hammers fans against appointing Lopetegui is evident.
West Ham board insider Sean Whetstone ran a poll this week asking fans: ‘If there were only two choices, Lopetegui or Moyes, who would you prefer to manage West Ham next season?’
From nearly 5,000 votes, 56% of fans voted in favour of keeping Moyes.
AC Milan were set to appoint Lopetegui according to claims over in Italy.
But Milan’s hardcore fans launched an online protest against Lopetegui’s appointment with the hashtag #Nopetegui and they withdrew the offer.
Much to Lopetegui’s ‘shock and disbelief’.
One look at social media will tell you what the vast majority of fans think about appointing Lopetegui with his and Sullivan’s name trending on X in the UK yesterday.
West Ham fans have copied Milan by launching their own petition against hiring the manager being labelled the “Spanish Moyes”.
INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Manchester United could be about to save Sullivan from himself, though.
Italy’s famous pink paper La Gazzetta dello Sport have made a big claim that Man United are seriously considering Lopetegui.
Journalist Filippo Maria Ricci has been in Lopetegui’s hometown in Asteasu, Spain, WITH the manager and his 93-year-old father this week.
And he states that Manchester have also stepped in following Milan’s withdrawal because they are undecided on Ten Hag.
“Here , in the family tranquillity of a place that has remained unchanged over time, Julen negotiated with Milan, And he awaits news from Manchester United, undecided on Ten Hag,” Ricci states.
“Yes, because in recent days they have been in touch from England to explore the availability of the Basque coach. Which took time, given the talks with Milan. Negotiations that started quietly and accelerated until the offer of a three-year contract worth 4 million euros net per season (£3.4m). Julen was definitely happy. Then here is the #nopetegui cyclone, the collection of signatures, the popular uprising.
“From Asteasu Lopetegui observes, reads, listens. And he struggles to understand what’s happening. Or what happened. The personal as well as technical fury against him was a low blow that he didn’t expect: it’s not that he didn’t see it coming, he just hadn’t considered it. The protest from the Rossoneri world surprised him, its manner and form struck him. Initially Julen was convinced that everything would be fine. Now obviously the feeling is different, and the Spanish coach is somehow adapting to the new reality. Protected by family, friends and an environment full of affection, he calmly awaits official communications.”
So for West Ham fans who are very much against Lopetegui’s appointment too, it seems there is still hope.
And that big hope is Manchester United.