Manchester United are working to appoint Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s replacement after sacking the Dutchman on Monday, according to reports. There is said to be a belief that an agreement for the Sporting manager can be reached quickly after receiving encouragement over his interest.
United have announced that Ten Hag was leaving the club a day after suffering their fourth Premier League defeat in nine games this season at West Ham United.
And the Red Devils look to have scurried to secure his successor behind the scenes in Amorim, one of Europe’s most highly-rated young coaches.
According to The Athletic, United are ready to pay the 39-year-old’s £8.3million release clause and have entered talks to finalise a deal.
It’s claimed that Amorim is open to accepting the opportunity to succeed Ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout despite seeking a history-making season in Lisbon.
After winning the Liga Portugal for a second time in four years last term, Amorim is looking to become the first Sporting manager to defend the title in 70 years.
However, United’s approach appears to have shifted his focus, and he is reportedly tempted to walk away from the Portuguese capital.
The report adds that he has been named the club’s priority target to replace Ten Hag, having moulded a reputation for improving individuals and utilising young players.
United have also been linked with Thomas Frank, Xavi and Julian Nagelsmann in the hours after Ten Hag’s sacking was made official.
But Amorim has been tipped to arrive in the Premier League for months, having been in the frame for two jobs in England’s top flight during the summer.
Liverpool considered the Portuguese tactician during their search for Jurgen Klopp’s replacement, which ended with Arne Slot’s appointment.
He was closer to joining West Ham United, holding talks over replacing David Moyes at the London Stadium before later apologising to Sporting and accepting it was a “mistake.”
Amorim has also been heavily touted to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City should the Catalan coach walk away next summer. That plan could now be off the cards.
Sporting haven’t been shaken by his near departure, winning all nine of their league games at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
In doing so, Amorim’s side have scored 30 goals and conceded just twice, boosting his reputation among Europe’s elite clubs further.
On top of his two league title successes, Amorim has also lifted the Taca da Liga – Portugal’s equivalent to the Carabao Cup – on two occasions.
He won the same trophy at his previous club Braga. But now, six years into his coaching career, he appears destined to leave his homeland for one of the biggest jobs there is.
