Sporting Lisbon’s president would have known what was coming as he arrived at the training ground amid a flurry of questions about Ruben Amorim’s move to Manchester United.
And Frederico Varandas clearly had no intention of hanging around.
As he quite literally ran into the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday – Sporting’s base named after a certain former Manchester United hero – the boss of the Portuguese champions jogged past a fleet of reporters, almost sending a microphone flying along the way.
Donning sneakers and shorts rather than shoes and a suit, Varandas also preferred to speak about a typically picturesque Portuguese sky rather than the speculation linking his talismanic head coach with the job recently vacated by Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Sporting confirmed via an official statement that Man United plan to hire Ruben Amorim as their new tactician on Tuesday.
But, ahead of what is likely to be a day of showdown talks and tear-jerking farewells, Varandas was in no mood to break any news just yet.
Sporting Lisbon president silent on Ruben Amorim to Manchester United links
“It’s a beautiful morning,” Varandas chuckled knowingly as he left those reporters and a travelling camera crew choking on his dust, barely breaking stride as he galloped through the entrance of the Sporting training ground, via Mais Futebol.
A ‘beautiful morning’ which could yet give way to a rather stormy evening.
The majority of Sporting supporters have been left devastated by Amorim’s likely departure. This is, after all, the man who succeeded where so many before him had failed at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Sporting Lisbon had not won a league title in 19 years prior his arrival from Braga. When Ruben Amorim says his goodbyes, he will leave The Lions in pole position for a third domestic crown in just four seasons.
The 39-year-old – he will become Man United’s youngest ever permanent manager when his appointment is made official – was just as forthcoming as Varandas after 3-1 cup victory over Nacional on Tuesday night became surely the most watched Sporting fixture Europe-wide in many a year.
By that, we mean he wasn’t forthcoming at all.
Amorim responds to talk of imminent Man United switch
“You will have to wait a little longer, then I will explain and everything will be very clear. Yes, it is my decision,” Amorim told a press conference, the knowing smile on his face slightly betraying his attempts to keep things on the down-low.
“We have to wait. How long? I don’t know.”
Amorim does suggest, however, that he is unlikely to be in the Manchester United dugout for Chelsea’s trip to Old Trafford this weekend.
“Sunday’s game? I will be here. For sure? I don’t know,” Amorim adds, albeit while creating more questions than he provides answers.
“We are taking steps forward in that regard. You will be enlightened when I have something to say. Responding feels like I was putting the cart before the horse. The fans deserve it. I can’t comment on that now.”
Man United have moved quickly and decisively in pursuit of Erik ten Hag’s replacement.
Only hours after news of the Dutchman’s sacking was made official, United moved close to sealing an agreement with his successor.
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