Ruben Amorim, head coach of Sporting Lisbon, has promised to make an announcement on his future after Friday’s match, fueling speculation that he could soon be appointed as Manchester United’s new manager. This comes as Manchester United parted ways with Erik ten Hag after a disappointing defeat to West Ham, which saw the club drop to 14th place in the Premier League standings with only three wins out of nine matches.
Since ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday, Amorim, a highly regarded young coach, has quickly become the top candidate for the position. Reports indicate that Manchester United is prepared to pay a €10 million ($11 million) release clause to acquire the 39-year-old coach from Sporting. In response to this, Sporting issued an official statement to the Lisbon stock exchange, acknowledging United’s interest and confirming that they are ready to meet Amorim’s buyout clause.
Although some news outlets reported that Amorim’s appointment could be confirmed on Thursday, no official announcement has been made. When questioned by reporters about the potential move at a press conference, Amorim remained reserved, stating, “It is a negotiation between two clubs… Even with the clauses, it’s never easy; they have to talk.” He hinted that there would be more clarity after Friday’s match against Estrela, saying, “After the game tomorrow, we will have the decision made.”
Amorim also expressed a lighthearted appreciation for the Premier League, saying with a smile that he loves “everything” about it. When asked if he had watched Manchester United’s recent 5-2 League Cup victory over Leicester, he simply smiled again, fueling excitement about the potential move.
Reports have suggested that Amorim has agreed to a deal with Manchester United until 2027, with an option to extend for an additional season. However, he is expected to stay with Sporting for three more games before joining United, including the Champions League fixture against Manchester City and an away match with Sporting Braga.
Amorim has made a name for himself in Europe, achieving two Portuguese league titles since taking charge at Sporting in 2020. Known for his tactical skill and potential, he had been linked to Liverpool’s managerial role earlier this year, though Dutch coach Arne Slot was eventually chosen.
Manchester United’s decision to part with ten Hag came after a series of underwhelming performances, with the club winning only one of their last eight matches across all competitions. Despite some success, including winning the League Cup and FA Cup, ten Hag struggled to elevate United back to the heights last seen under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, a former United striker, currently serves as the interim manager and oversaw the team’s recent win over Leicester. He is expected to continue in this role for United’s upcoming match against Chelsea and has expressed an interest in remaining part of the coaching setup as United seeks long-term leadership solutions.
