Liverpool's true feelings on Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim and why they rejected him

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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool were heavily linked with Ruben Amorim before the Portuguese boss took over at Manchester United, a new book has revealedLiverpool were interested in Ruben Amorim prior to his switch to Manchester United, according to revelations in a new book. The Reds actually viewed him as a potential successor at Anfield before ultimately landing Arne Slot from Feyenoord.Following Jurgen Klopp's announcement of his planned summer exit from the club in January 2024, Liverpool's hierarchy began their search for his replacement.

Candidates such as Xabi Alonso were featured on the shortlist for the position, but after the current Real Madrid manager declined the opportunity, alternative prospects began to emerge.In a new book, 'Walk On: Inside Arne Slot's Liverpool', written by James Pearce, it is revealed that Amorim was the most frequently-linked figure to the Anfield role due to his achievements with Sporting Lisbon.READ MORE: Arne Slot hails Conor Bradley and rejects Trent Alexander-Arnold suggestion after Liverpool winREAD MORE: Arne Slot lifts lid on Liverpool gameplan that saw them target two Real Madrid superstarsPearce writes: "After Alonso publicly ruled himself out of contention, the name most persistently linked with Liverpool in the media was Sporting Lisbon coach Amorim, who was about to clinch his second Primeira Liga title with the Portuguese giants."Howver, while the Reds were fans of Amorim's accomplishments in Portugal, they held reservations about his tactical approach and playing style, which wasn't considered suitable for the Liverpool squad.Pearce continued: "Amorim was a serious contender and boasted the best record in terms of player availability. There were also concerns that his slower, less dynamic style of play might fail to energise supporters."Hughes held talks with Amorim in Lisbon but the Sporting boss was subsequently informed that Liverpool were going in a different direction."Liverpool ultimately went for Slot, who had clinched the Eredivisie with Feyenoord and reached the UEFA Conference League final in the 2021/22 campaign.

Pearce added: "Slot was always the preferred candidate."They loved how his football connected with the emotional fanbase at Feyenoord, they felt it wasn't too much of a change from Klopp's approach and they knew he was well versed in working in a sporting director model."While Amorim has seemingly started to settle at United, Liverpool's choice to pick Slot appears to have been the perfect decision for both club and manager. The Dutchman secured the Premier League title in his debut season and rejuvenated a Liverpool side that had only won the League Cup during Klopp's farewell campaign.Slot splashed out a staggering £446million during the summer window and brought in some top-class stars including Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.