Ruben Amorim has been turning heads in the Premier League for quite a while, but it’s only now that he seems poised to make his grand entrance into England’s top flight.
Insiders are buzzing with news that Manchester United have earmarked the 39-year-old gaffer as their top choice to replace Erik ten Hag, with reports he has verbally agreed to a move to Old Trafford.
Negotiations are in full swing as United look to thrash out a compensation deal for the double Primeira Liga champion. He is said to have three escape clauses penned into his contract, and the Red Devils are crossing their fingers they can trigger the bargain £8.3million one.
Previously, Amorim committed himself to the reigning Portuguese champs despite some seriously overtures from the Premier League.
But which English titans have tried and failed to sweep Amorim off his feet?
Chelsea
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Amorim was touted to replace Graham Potter – but back then the pull of Sporting was too much.
Amorim opened up to Diario de Noticias about his love affair with Sporting, declaring: “I’m not looking for anything. And by the way, I want to value what I have and not what is said. And it’s been said so many times… I’ve already said it.”
He also admitted to having talks with other clubs, a fact that Sporting was privy to, but reiterated his wish to remain.
“I’ve had contacts with other clubs, Sporting even knows, but I always wanted to stay because I like being at Sporting,” he added, reports the Mirror.
In the end, Chelsea chose Mauricio Pochettino, who only lasted a season before Enzo Maresca took over as head coach in the summer.
Tottenham Hotspur
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A Bola reported in March that prior to Ange Postecoglou’s arrival, Daniel Levy’s “tempestuous temper” may have deterred Amorim from transferring to the North London club.
The 62-year-old has not shied away from sacking managers at Spurs, leading the club through a variety of football philosophies from the likes of Pochettino, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
Manchester United (first time)
Ten Hag’s shaky start at United last season, losing five out of his first 10 league games, had Amorim pegged as a strong contender for replacement.
However, when questioned by journalists, he confirmed that a move to Old Trafford was not on the horizon,
although he noted that United hadn’t approached him, despite their vigorous attempts to secure his services. But perhaps it was always destined that he would land at United – following in the footsteps of his mentor Jose Mourinho.
Liverpool
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Jurgen Klopp’s shock announcement that he would be leaving Liverpool set the stage for Ruben Amorim to potentially take over, but after a clash over tactics, it wasn’t meant to be. He was keen on sticking to his 3-4-3 formation and insiders at Liverpool were swift to say he wasn’t quite their top pick.
They didn’t wait around, appointing Arne Slot as Klopp’s successor in short order.
West Ham United
The departure of David Moyes brought Amorim’s into discussions with the club, jetting out to meet the Hammers. However, the Portuguese manager had a change of heart, flying back to apologise to Sporting.
He: “Obviously my trip was a mistake, the timing was completely wrong, it didn’t seem right at the time. It was wrong, especially when I’m so demanding with my players and always the first to say that each one’s problems don’t go away.
“They can overpower the team, I have already removed players from the squad for much less. It was my mistake, I have to accept it and live with it.”
Julen Lopetegui eventually got the job at the London Stadium.