Ruben Amorim had ‘no doubts’ on his reply for Man City if requested to switch Pep Guardiola

Ruben Amorim has revealed how he thought Hugo Viana could ask him to replace Pep Guardiola as the next Manchester City manager.

It remains unclear who will be in charge of City next season, with Guardiola still to make a decision on his future at the Etihad. Speculation is mounting about who could replace Guardiola should he decide to leave, with one of the names linked with the job being Amorim.

City have been keen to distance themselves from ever being interested in Amorim, who has subsequently agreed to take charge of their hated rivals Manchester United. But before agreeing a deal with United, Amorim admits the thought did cross his mind that joining City might be an option.

Sporting’s director of football Viana will take up the same role at the Etihad next season, replacing the departing Txiki Begiristain. And Amorim said: “Obviously it is one (thing) that crossed my mind.

“But I never had any doubts about the club I wanted to work for, and my decision has been made. I was not undecided about it. I wanted Manchester United.”

Sporting face City tonight (Tuesday) in the Champions League at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, with Amorim’s side, who lay eighth in the table, taking on Pep Guardiola’s third placed Citizens.

Amorim will take charge of United on November 11 during the international break, with his first fixture in charge of the Red Devils being the visit to relegation battling Ipswich Town on Sunday, November 24 at the Portman Road Stadium.