Manchester United are working on a deal to appoint Ruben Amorim after parting ways with Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils are hoping to land the highly touted Portuguese boss who has also been courted by bitter rivals Manchester City. According to The Athletic, Amorim is open to to taking up the opportunity after Ten Hag’s dismisal.
United are willing to to pay Amorim’s €10million (£8.3m) release clause in his contract with the two clubs reportedly in talks to finalise a deal that would see Ruud van Nistelrooy take interim charge before Amorim arrives.
Amorim, who is currently at the helm of Sporting Lisbon, is one of Europe’s most-highly rated young managers. Liverpool looked at appointing him over the summer, after Jurgen Klopp’s departure, but ultimately handed Arne Slot the role.
West Ham also looked at the 39-year-old, with Amorim holding talks before later admitting it was a mistake. He has been linked with City in recent weeks after his friend Hugo Viana was appointed as their new Director of Football.
He won the Primeira Liga title in 2021 and again last season while also winning the Taca da Liga – the Portuguese League Cup – on two occasions with Sporting and a third time with his previous club, Braga.
Amorim was asked about the United links on Monday, and he responded: “I was expecting that question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future.
“Because otherwise I’ll always have to comment, so it’s not worth it, I won’t comment. I’m very proud to be the coach of Sporting, that’s all.”
Sporting’s high-flying position is thought to be one of several reasons Amorim does not want to leave his current club mid-season with the prospect of adding more silverware on the table, reports the Independent.