Premier League club take action to avoid Man Utd swooping for manager

Manchester United were linked with multiple Premier League managers during Ruben Amorim’s rocky start to his second season in charge, including Fulham boss Marco Silva

Fulham are set to open formal talks with manager Marco Silva over a new contract. Silva, 48, has enjoyed four successful years at Craven Cottage, while he was recently linked with Manchester United amid question marks surrounding Ruben Amorim’s long-term future.

The ex-Everton and Watford boss took charge of Fulham in 2021, winning promotion from the Championship in his first season as title winners. Since then, Silva has helped Fulham establish themselves as Premier League mainstays and was rewarded with a new contract in 2023.

That deal, which includes a release clause in the region of £15million, expires at the end of this season. According to The Athletic, however, Fulham’s ownership have told the Portuguese that they want to offer him an extension.

Detailed talks over the prospective contract are yet to take place, as Fulham chiefs continue to prioritise on-field matters. But the report explains that there’s goodwill on both sides.

As well as being linked with United, Nottingham Forest considered an approach for Silva before then turning to out-of-work Sean Dyche, who’s expected to succeed Ange Postecoglou in the City Ground hot-seat. The 48-year-old previously worked under Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis as Olympiacos manager – while the two maintain a friendship.

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Speaking before Saturday’s narrow 1-0 loss at home to leaders Arsenal – their third consecutive defeat – Silva was quizzed on his future. Fulham owner Shahid Khan was in town, having flown over from the United States to watch his NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, play at Wembley.

Silva replied by confirming that Khan had informed him that he’s still his man to lead Fulham. “I’ve met him already,” the Cottagers boss explained. “The main reason was not just the contract, we have many things to talk about.

Should Marco Silva commit his future to Fulham? Have your say in the comments section.

“I’ve felt always part of this football club, from the first day until day. Like the players, it’s normal they (other clubs) show interest in myself and my staff. It’s a normal situation. (But) Full focus on us and working with the club on the future, too.

“I’ve been here five years, why not more. It (the contract situation) is not gonig to be something that disrupts our season. If I have to, I’ll speak with you (about it) every single week as well.

“I think it’s not necessary to speak every week about it. The right time to speak, it will arrive.”

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