Were Xavi, Gareth Southgate and Thomas Frank really contenders for the Man Utd job? Truth about talks with other bosses revealed as Ruben Amorim takes the reins from sacked Erik ten Hag

Amorim was officially confirmed as United's next manager on Friday, although Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain in charge of the team until November 11 while the Portuguese serves an agreed notice period with Sporting CP. United spoke to multiple coaches, including Thomas Tuchel, Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank last summer when they began to have serious doubts about Ten Hag. Their process to replace the Dutchman was much more refined this time, however.

Brentford boss Frank, former England manager Gareth Southgate and the ex-Barcelona coach Xavi were all suggested as potential replacements after United finally ran out of patience with Ten Hag. However, it can be revealed that Amorim was the only manager the Red Devils spoke to.

A club source said: "Ruben is the only coach we spoke to in this process. There were no other conversations. We identified him as our number one choice and we secured him quickly and quietly."

Xavi and Southgate were unlikely candidates as they are both enjoying sabbaticals after leaving Barcelona and England respectively. Frank has insisted he is happy at Brentford although he has hinted he could eventually be tempted by an offer from a more prestigious club.

United hammered Leicester 5-2 in the Carabao Cup in their first game since Ten Hag's sacking but will face much tougher opposition when they take on an in-form Chelsea at Old Trafford in Van Nistelrooy's first match in charge of a Premier League game. As for Amorim, he'll be in Manchester for November 11, when he officially takes over, with his first game being against Ipswich at Portman Road on November 24, immediately after the international break.