Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has finally spoken about an impending move toManchester United.
He offered cryptic remarks following Sporting’s triumph in the Portuguese League cup after reports he has verbally agreed to a move to Old Trafford.
Speaking to Sport TV, the Portuguese boss said: “We don’t know if it’s a farewell game, or if there will be one; that’s still not been decided.
He added, “In this moment, I have nothing to say and everything that I say will cause more noise. There’s nothing concrete to say right now, but when I have to speak about the subject, I will. When I have something concrete to say and not just something that will fuel speculation, I will.”
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Amorim added: “We still don’t know the finer details, and therefore we will see. But everything I say now will only fuel speculation. When I have something to say, and I’ve always been clear about my decisions. And the decision is mine as the statement stated.”
He added, according to the the Manchester Evening News: “When I am sure of everything, everything will be easier because to say something now, is not the best action to take.”
Star player Viktor Gyokeres, who netted a brace in Lisbon, was also questioned regarding the rumours of Amorim’s departure and said: “Well, now he’s here. I’m focussing on that; it’s not something I know. It’s not about me, so at the moment he’s here. We will see what happens, but it’s not something I put energy on.”
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Sporting beat Nacional 3-1 in the Taca da Liga, a match widely expected to be Amorim’s last in charge. Amorim has won two Portuguese titles and two League Cups with Sporting since joining the club in March 2020.
Earlier Sporting dropped a bombshell on Tuesday afternoon, revealing they’ve had opened talks with United about Amorim.
The statement said: “Manchester United has expressed an interest in hiring coach Ruben Amorim, with the board of directors of Sporting referring to the terms and conditions set out in the employment contract in force between the company and the coach.
“Specifically the respective termination clause and the amount of €10million. Manchester United has expressed an interest in paying Sporting the amount of the aforementioned clause.”
The big question is when Amorim will become the new boss at Old Trafford. In the meantime, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s has the reins for United’s Carabao Cup scrap with West Ham on Wednesday night.
Sporting are tipped to bump up B team boss and ex-defender Joao Pereira to the hot seat.