Sporting Lisbon have confirmed Manchester United interest in appointing Ruben Amorim as their new manager, following Erik ten Hag’s departure.
In a statement to the Lisbon stock exchange, Sporting revealed United’s willingness to pay Amorim’s £8.3 million (10 million euro) release clause.
Manchester United sacked Ten Hag on Monday, October 28, after a dismal start to the season, with the team sitting 14th in the Premier League.
However, 39-year-old Portuguese manager Amorim has now emerged as the leading contender to replace Ten Hag, ahead of Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Fulham’s Marco Silva.
Sporting stated: “Manchester United have expressed their interest in recruiting coach Ruben Amorim and have said they are ready to pay the 10 million euro release clause.”
Despite heavy summer spending, the Red Devils only won one of their last eight games under Ten Hag.
As it stands, former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken over as interim boss, but United’s focus is on Amorim, considered one of Europe’s top young coaches.
Ruben Amorim’s comment on Manchester United’s job
Amorim, who has won two Portuguese titles with Sporting since joining in 2020 has opened up on the notion of replacing Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United.
When questioned about the speculation, Amorim said, “I’m not going to talk about my future. I’m very proud to be the coach of Sporting Lisbon.”
Amorim was previously linked with Liverpool’s managerial role after Jurgen Klopp’s departure, but Dutch coach Arne Slot took the position instead.
Erik ten Hag’s Tenure At Old Trafford Marred by Questionable Decisions and Disappointing Results
Ten Hag’s tenure was marked by struggles, despite winning two trophies in his two full seasons. United’s poor form led to his departure, with the team showing little improvement this season.
Meanwhile, the Dutch boss position at Manchester United had been under scrutiny since the end of last season, despite winning the FA Cup with a stunning victory over Manchester City.
United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe had explored alternative managerial options during an internal review, following the club’s eighth-place finish in the league.
However, Ten Hag remained at the helm, and the 54-year-old Dutchman vigorously defended his record, emphasizing his trophy wins in two full seasons. Note that Manchester United’s six-year wait for silverware ended with the 2023 League Cup triumph over Newcastle.
Despite this success, Ten Hag’s second season was plagued by injuries to key players, underwhelming performances from expensive signings, notably Brazilian forward Antony.
Additionally, failure to establish a clear playing style, early Champions League group-stage exit and a string of defeats at Old Trafford, including losses to Liverpool and Tottenham in September contributed to the Dutch boss exit.
What’s next for Manchester United and Amorim?
Amorim reportedly wants the job as Manchester United’s next manager and has agreed to take on the role after being chosen by the Old Trafford leaders to replace Erik ten Hag.
Amorim may be officially appointed before the Premier League match against Chelsea this weekend.
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