He once got embarrassed at Arsenal, now he could end Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title hopes

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Arsenal have one of the best managers in the Premier League in Mikel Arteta, but a rival may now hope to make a similar appointment.

Manchester United dismissed manager Erik ten Hag after a dismal start to the season, but reports indicate that they are keen on Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim.

Amorim is a highly-rated up-and-coming coach, and he even knocked Arteta’s side out of the Europa League in 2023.

The 39-year-old has been in charge of Sporting since 2019, but like Arteta, he was a midfielder in his playing days, but for Sporting’s city rivals Benfica.

He only appeared against Arsenal once, and this was not in a competitive game, but it was certainly a memorable one for Arsenal fans.

• READ MORE: Arsenal’s XI for Mikel Arteta’s first match as manager

Ruben Amorim played in Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Benfica in 2014

The annual Emirates Cup pre-season tournament saw one of its greatest-ever editions in 2014, as Arsenal welcomed Benfica to the Emirates Stadium.

Superstar signing Alexis Sanchez was introduced to the Arsenal fans for the first time, but a different player stole the show.

Young striker Yaya Sanogo, who had previously failed to score a goal, remarkably netted four times, including a first-half hattrick as Arsenal ran riot against Benfica.

Remarkably, Amorim started in that same game, with Arteta also coming on as a substitute for Arsenal.

At that point, the Portugal International was an important player for Benfica, but just weeks after his Emirates Cup humiliation, he suffered a serious injury which ruled him out for eight months of action.

Ruben Amorim will hope to make Man Utd title challengers alongside Arsenal

10 years on from Arsenal’s thrashing of Benfica, Arteta is challenging for the Premier League title with the Gunners, going head-to-head with Pep Guardiola’s Man City.

Amorim will hope to bring Man United into these title battles, as another former central midfielder turned manager, and his potential appointment may have come at a poor time for Arteta.

Arsenal went into this season hoping to win the league after two close attempts, but a tough start to the season has seen them drop points in several games, whilst enduring key injuries and controversial red cards.

Should Amorim succeed at Man United, he could harm Arsenal’s title chances, both in head-to-head games against Arteta, and over the course of the season if he elevates their level to match their rivals in the league.