‘No thanks’ – Simone Inzaghi turns down Manchester United offer

Manchester United have been rebuffed in their search for a long-term successor to Ruben Amorim, with Simone Inzaghi rejecting a lucrative approach from Old Trafford, according to reports in Italy.

While Norwegian outlet VG claim United are closing in on appointing Ole Gunnar Solskjær as interim manager — potentially as soon as Friday — the club have also been sounding out summer options behind the scenes.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport report that Manchester United contacted Inzaghi’s entourage shortly after Amorim’s dismissal, outlining a proposal that would have made the 49-year-old the highest-paid manager in England.

Inzaghi, currently in charge of Al-Hilal, was identified as a prime candidate for a permanent appointment in the summer.

However, the response from the Italian camp was unequivocal.

Despite the scale of the offer, United were reportedly told “no thanks”, with Inzaghi fully focused on his current project in Saudi Arabia.

The Italian is understood to be earning around €50m across his two-year deal at Al-Hilal, a figure that played a significant role in the decision to turn down United’s proposal.

Inzaghi’s commitment is also sporting rather than purely financial. Al-Hilal currently sit top of the Saudi Pro League, one point clear of Al-Nassr, and the former Inter boss is keen to add silverware during his spell in Riyadh.

The report has been met with some scepticism in Italy and England alike. Tuttosport have a long history of linking elite Italian managers with Manchester United — often followed by claims of rejection.

In the past, the Turin-based outlet have suggested Massimiliano Allegri was close to an Old Trafford move on multiple occasions, while Inzaghi himself has previously been linked with Tottenham and Arsenal in similar fashion.

As such, while United’s admiration for Inzaghi is plausible, the framing of a dramatic rejection follows a familiar pattern.

In the short term, attention appears to be turning back to Solskjær. The former United manager is widely expected to steady the ship as interim boss while the club reassess their long-term direction.

From recent coverage we’ve followed, United’s hierarchy are keen to avoid another rushed permanent appointment — even if high-profile names are being explored quietly.

Manchester United are expected to confirm an interim appointment imminently, with longer-term plans continuing in parallel. Whether Inzaghi was ever a realistic target remains open to debate, but his rejection underlines the challenge United face in attracting elite managers during another period of instability.

Should Manchester United pursue elite overseas managers — or focus on stability closer to home?