United seeks Amorim's signature as the hurts continue at the Bernabeu

From Ten Hag’s sacking to Real Madrid's Ballon d'Or boycott, we cover key football stories and ongoing debates across top European clubs.

Ruben Amorim is the anointed one for the Manchester United job after the sacking of Erik Ten Hag, will he restore the club to glory days? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

As controversy continues to trail the 2024 Ballon d'Or, we take a look at a few buzzing headlines in the world of football, from Erik Ten Hag’s sacking and possible replacement to other happenings across top clubs.

Is Amorim the final piece at Old Trafford?

Following the sacking of Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United has sounded out Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as the man to replace the Dutchman, with the Portuguese club set to pocket his full release clause.

The excitement among the United fan base is understood to be heightened, but it was the same when Ten Hag was hired. Will Amorim consistently deliver results at Old Trafford?

Does Arteta manage the press?

A number of Premier League club managers have questioned Mikel Arteta’s press conferences, with many believing the Arsenal manager intentionally gives false information to confuse opposing managers.

While fielding questions ahead of the cup game on Wednesday, Arteta insists it’s the situation of the players that informs his press conferences: "When I don’t have clarity on a player’s fitness condition, I try to wait; I have no intention of confusing anyone." - Mikel Arteta.

Real Madrid welcomes back Vini Jr. amid the Ballon d'Or snub.

Several Real Madrid players have taken to social media to support their teammate Vinicius Jr., who missed out on this year's Ballon d'Or player of the year award.

Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchoumeni, and Thibaut Courtois have all expressed their strong opinions on social media, supporting their teammate who they believe was involved in a conspiracy during the selection process.

Is Maresca setting himself up?

Enzo Maresca, the manager of Chelsea, appears to be a man of elaborate words; he told newsmen that Jadon Sancho didn't play to instructions in his last two games and would need to work hard to get back into the team.

The Italian manager has a plethora of players at his disposal, leading to expected chopping and shoving, but can he manage his pressers more effectively? While we strive to balance talent and attitude, a manager's emotional intelligence can simplify matters; Maresca needs to be mindful of this.

Did Madrid miss a huge chance at the Ballon d’Or ceremony?

Real Madrid boycotted the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris, France, after learning that their player would not be winning the most prestigious award. However, with the El Classico result going against them, could they have concealed their embarrassment with the awards they won at the football event?

Real Madrid was voted the team of the year, and Carlo Ancelotti won the manager of the year award, which they could have celebrated on the stage in Paris; would that have deflected the humiliation at home to Barcelona?