INEOS chief Sir Dave Brailsford has confirmed Ruben Amorim’s imminent move to Manchester United by telling fans “it’s done” outside Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s right-hand man was in the stands to watch interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy oversee a thumping Carabao Cup win over Leicester City on Wednesday night. And he was cornered by eager fans on his way into the ground.
After posing for pictures with two of them, Brailsford was asked for a progress check on Amorim. United are understood to have agreed a fee with Sporting, and the manager is widely expected to take the top job with the Red Devils.
Brailsford confirmed as much by responding: “Yeah, it’s done. It’s done.”
The only remaining sticking point for United is how quickly they can bring Amorim on board. Brailsford and co. reportedly want him in place for this Sunday’s clash with Chelsea, but Sporting may force him to serve a 30-day notice period, which would involve three more matches in Portugal.
With Leicester thrashed 5-2 in front of the home fans, Van Nistelrooy at least proved that United are in capable hands for the time being. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes each bagged braces and Alejandro Garnacho also got in on the action to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Van Nistelrooy could remain in charge for Premier League matches against Chelsea and Leicester, and a Europa League meeting with PAOK, if Amorim’s unveiling is delayed until the November international break.
Many United fans are clamouring for the Dutchman to retain a spot on Amorim’s backroom staff after the team’s free-flowing performance against the Foxes. It remains to be seen whether an offer materialises.
After Wednesday’s win, which set up a last-eight showdown with Tottenham, Van Nistelrooy said: “I couldn’t ask for more. I was delighted for Casemiro, the way he has been training and helping the team, he is such an example, we are delighted to have him around.
“He was almost blamed for the Liverpool game [September’s 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford]. It is not fair, totally not true. He is an example for us. Part of my celebrations were for him.
“I wasn’t worried about Bruno. I see him every day in training. I see how he prepares and is helping the team. He puts a lot on his shoulders. He is responsible for everything in the club. Today he was free. I told him to play well and enjoy it. Hopefully more to come.”
