Manchester United are closing in on appointing Sporting boss Ruben Amorim but is arrival at Old Trafford may be somewhat delayed.
The Erik ten Hag era at Old Trafford has come to an end this week.
Manchester United sacked Ten Hag on Monday morning as the Dutchman paid the price for a poor start to the season.
Not only are United 14th in the Premier League table – with a -3 goal difference – but Ten Hag has also failed to win any of the first three Europa League games this season.
Ten Hag has now moved on and United have moved quickly to pick out the top target to replace him.
Portuguese champions Sporting have confirmed an approach from United for Ruben Amorim, but he still took charge of Tuesday’s win over Nacional.
Portuguese press offer Ruben Amorim update
Amorim has become a hero at Sporting since arriving from Braga in 2020.
Two title wins will always get you in the good books, but Amorim’s bond with Sporting has been very strong over the years.
Sporting players have asked Amorim for answers about joining United and the 39-year-old seems keen to make sure he leaves in the ‘right way’ – if there is such a thing.
With that in mind, Portuguese newspaper Record claim that Amorim will be the new United boss – but not immediately.
It’s stated that Amorim will not leave Sporting until the next international break, with his last game come against Braga on November 10.
That would leave Amorim in charge against Estrela Amadora and then Manchester in the Champions League before his big farewell against Braga.
Record had previously suggested that Amorim would coach against Estrela Amadora on Friday before heading to England.
That no longer seems to be the plan though, with Amorim’s first game in charge of United now set to come on November 24 against Ipswich Town – ironically, against a former United coach in Kieran McKenna.
- READ MORE: How Ruben Amorim could line-up at Manchester United if appointed Erik ten Hag replacement
How much Manchester United are paying for Ruben Amorim
There has been confusion over Amorim’s release clause at Sporting.
Some suggested that Amorim could leave for (€10million) £8.3million, others climbed that it would be double that price at €20million (£16.6million).
RTP in Portugal claim that the final price agreed by United and Sporting is actually €11million (£9.2million).
That is a little more than the lower release clause but nowhere near the higher release clause, so United will be pleased.
RTP also back up the claims that Amorim will not leave Sporting before the international break.
United appear to have their top target secured – but will have to wait a little longer to actually see him on the touchline coaching United.
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