Manchester United are close to appointing Ruben Amorim but the Sporting boss will have something of a farewell tour in the coming weeks.
Erik ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United on Monday and the search for his successor hasn’t exactly lasted long.
Ineos have picked out Ruben Amorim as the man for the job having been impressed with his work at Sporting.
Portuguese reports claim that United have now agreed a deal for Amorim – but he isn’t leaving Sporting just yet.
Amorim won’t join United until the international break, meaning he will manage three more games as Sporting boss.
United will hope that Amorim is worth the wait and will certainly watch on as he says goodbye to Sporting over the next three games.
Nani set to face Ruben Amorim
Next week’s Champions League clash against Manchester City will attract most of the attention, as will Amorim’s final game against Braga on November 10.
This farewell tour begins at home against Estrela Amadora on Friday night though, a game Sporting and Amorim will expect to win.
Sporting sit top of the table with nine wins from nine whereas Estrela Amadora are in the bottom three right now.
Amorim will though take on a former United star with winger Nani poised to face Sporting.
Nani joined hometown club Estrela Amadora over the summer as he continues his career at the age of 37.
Nani will forever be a popular figure around United having racked up 230 appearances for the club between 2007 and 2015.
Friday’s game also sees Nani return to Sporting, the club where he broke through before joining United.
Nani even rejoined Sporting on two different occasions, so this return to Lisbon is a special moment for Nani.
Sporting will hope to avoid a nasty shock against Estrela Amadora, but Nani and co will be looking to spring a major surprise – and kick off Amorim’s big goodbye with a real upset.
- READ MORE: How Ruben Amorim could line-up at Manchester United if appointed Erik ten Hag replacement
What Nani has said about Sporting and Amorim
United fans will be watching with interest due to Amorim, but many will also have an eye on Nani’s fortunes.
The winger has taken to social media to share an emotional post ahead of the game, admitting that his return to Sporting will be a ‘special night’.
The years go by, but the determination is the same. Tomorrow will be a special night,” said Nani.
Nani will be in for an emotional night but he will just be thinking about an Estrela Amadora win – and therefore a defeat for Amorim.
Nani has praised Amorim in the past though would surely support him becoming the new United boss.
The former United ace has praised Amorim’s leadership and attitude to the game, believing his ‘strong personality’ has helped him achieve real success with Sporting.
“When he arrived at Sporting, the secret to his success was his leadership, you can see it in his attitude. I never attended a talk or a training session with him, but you could feel that he has a strong personality and a connection with the players. That comes from good leadership,” said Nani.
Amorim and Nani now lock horns in Lisbon tonight in a meeting between United’s future and the past – and it will be one of Amorim’s final games in Portugal for a while.
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