Ruben Amorim arrives at Sporting Lisbon’s HQ in his Porsche to take coaching as Man United supervisor saga drags on over discover interval pay-off – with gamers livid over his plans to stroll out
- Talks remain ongoing as Man United seek to appoint Amorim as manager
- Sporting stars are reportedly unhappy after being enticed to stay by Amorim
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Ruben Amorim has arrived as Sporting Lisbon’s headquarters to take training as negotiations continue over his potential departure to Man United.
Several Sporting players have reportedly expressed their frustrations with Amorim as the 39-year-old prepares to leave the Portuguese champions just nine matches into the new league season.
Amorim was seen arriving at the training centre in his Porsche on Wednesday morning, having overseen their 3-1 win over Nacional in the League Cup on Tuesday night.
He had faced a series of questions post-match over his potential departure to become Man United boss following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.
Earlier in the day Sporting released a statement confirming United’s plan to pay the €10million (£8.5m) release clause to buy Amorim out of his contract.
Ruben Amorim arrived for training as his move from Sporting Lisbon to Man United drags on
Amorim had taken charge of Sporting in their 3-1 League Cup win over Nacional on Tuesday
Sporting players are reportedly unhappy with Amorim’s likely exit during the season
‘Manchester United is interested, but it’s my choice,’ he said. ‘Until everything is decided, we won’t be making any noise. I have nothing useful to say. I will take on whatever I want to do, as I have always done.
‘I don’t want to fuel this issue. There is the club’s statement to the CMVM, apart from that we don’t know the details yet, we’ll see.
‘I have always taken responsibility for my decisions and I will be here to do so, but when I am sure of things it will be easier.’
Man United are looking to tie up a deal with Sporting for Amorim, with the hope he could be in the dugout on Sunday for their Premier League clash against Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Mail Sport revealed on Tuesday that Amorim has a notice period of ‘a number of weeks rather than days’, leaving the clubs negotiating over the timing of his departure.
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo have reported that several Sporting players have been angered over Amorim’s likely departure.
The outlet claims Sporting stars Viktor Gyokeres and Morten Hjulmand are unhappy, with the in-demand pair having been ‘enticed’ to stay at the club in the summer with the aim of defending the Portuguese title with Amorim.
Amorim admitted he had addressed Man United’s interest to the Sporting squad during their pre-match preparations against Nacional.
In-demand stars including Morten Hjulmand reportedly feel they were enticed to stay
‘There was no talk of anything, it was just before the set pieces to get the elephant out of the room,’ Amorim said.
‘Before the statement was released, I explained to the players everything that was happening. There is nothing more to say.
‘I don’t interfere in the players’ lives, but I am the coach, I spoke with the board to understand how to manage the squad.
‘Without a doubt my players will be disappointed with me if I leave, but it’s part of life. That happened in Braga, when I came.
‘That happened a bit, because they were disappointed.’
Amorim has already faced criticism from some fans and former club officials should he move to Man United, amid claims he has ‘abandoned’ the club.
The 39-year-old has led Sporting to two domestic titles since taking charge in 2020.
Amorim had served as Braga manager for just 13 matches before leaving for Sporting.
Amorim revealed he had addressed the links to Man United with his squad on Tuesday
Amorim looks poised to become Ineos’ first managerial appointment at Manchester United
He guided Sporting to a domestic double in 2021, including delivering their first league title in 19 years.
Sporting were crowned champions again last season and have made the perfect start to this campaign under Amorim, winning their opening nine matches.
The Portuguese giants have also enjoyed a strong start to their Champions League campaign, lying eighth in the table of the revamped competition.
Sporting have beaten Lille and Strum Graz, as well as drawing away against PSV.
