MILAN — The race to succeed Massimiliano Allegri as the head coach of AC Milan has intensified, with former Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim now emerging as the frontrunner for the position.

Amorim Gains Momentum

Following a productive round of meetings between AC Milan’s leadership and various candidates, Amorim has moved into pole position. The Portuguese manager, who has been out of work since his departure from Manchester United in January, is reportedly in advanced discussions with the Rossoneri. Reports suggest that the club has tabled a provisional two-year contract offer, which includes an option for a third season, as they look to rebuild following a disappointing fifth-place finish in the 2025/26 Serie A campaign.

The Broader Managerial Search

Milan’s search for a new head coach follows a wholesale restructuring of the club’s sporting hierarchy, which saw the dismissal of Allegri, CEO Giorgio Furlani, and sporting directors Igli Tare and Geoffrey Moncada in May. While the club initially considered several profiles, the field has narrowed following further evaluations:

  • Oliver Glasner: The former Crystal Palace manager, who recently concluded a historic tenure at Selhurst Park featuring FA Cup and Europa Conference League titles, remains a highly regarded candidate.However, recent reports indicate that Amorim has gained significant traction following direct talks with the club’s ownership.

  • Matthias Jaissle: The Al-Ahli head coach, known for his success in Saudi Arabia and Red Bull Salzburg, remains under consideration. However, his appointment would be more complex, as Milan would need to negotiate a financial compensation package to release him from his current contract in Saudi Arabia.

Strategic Direction

The Rossoneri are under pressure to finalize an appointment to provide stability ahead of the 2026/27 season, which will see the club compete in the UEFA Europa League. While the club previously explored the potential appointment of Ralf Rangnick as technical director, those plans appear to have stalled, leading the board to prioritize finding a head coach who can lead the team's tactical evolution.