Ruben Amorim is expected to take charge of Manchester United in Sunday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea, according to reports. The Red Devils are believed to be closing in on naming Amorim the first managerial appointment of the INEOS era after sacking Erik ten Hag on Monday.
A 2-1 defeat at West Ham United – United’s fourth in nine Premier League games this season – at the weekend was considered the final straw in a disastrous start to the campaign.
Ten Hag’s era has ended after two and a half seasons, which featured the Carabao Cup and FA Cup glory, but also the club’s worst-ever Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Ruud van Nistelrooy will take interim charge, along with the current coaching staff, when United host Leicester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night.
The Dutchman will be the subject of a hero’s reception from the Old Trafford crowd – as has been customary since his heralded summer return – but his stint as caretaker boss is set to be short-lived.
According to The Times, Van Nistelrooy is only expected to take the reins for the cup clash against lowly Leicester before United’s permanent replacement steps in.
Amorim is the permanent replacement in question, and he is set to oversee his final game as Sporting head coach on Tuesday night.
The Lisbon giants host Nacional in the quarter-finals of the Taca de Liga, a cup competition Amorim has won three times in his coaching career, twice at his current club.
The 39-year-old has reportedly verbally agreed to become United’s sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s 2013 retirement.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be prepared to trigger his £8.3million release clause to ensure United secure their priority candidate.
The M16 outfit are among several elite clubs who can appoint Amorim for half of his £16.6m release clause for others in Europe. Portuguese suitors would have to pay £25m.
The cut-price payout has paved the way for the Portuguese tactician’s arrival following Ten Hag’s £13.5m sack package.
Beneath the rubble always scattered after a managerial axing, Amorim will inherit an exciting United squad containing a wealth of talent.
Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad and Rasmus Hojlund are among the club’s youthful players capable of making an impact in the present and future.
Meanwhile, stalwarts including Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford are entering their prime years.
And the club captain, Bruno Fernandes, will undoubtedly be brimming with excitement over the prospect of working with his Portuguese compatriot, only nine years his senior.
