'One more day': Ruben Amorim promises decision as Manchester United close in on new manager

LAST UPDATE | 18 hrs ago

RUBEN AMORIM HAS promised to clarify his future after Sporting Lisbon’s match on Friday evening as his move to manage Manchester United edges closer.

The Old Trafford hierarchy unanimously decided to sack Erik ten Hag having decided enough was enough after Sunday’s late loss at West Ham continued their poor start to his third season in charge.

United immediately set their sights on Amorim and informed Sporting that they would meet his €10m release clause, sparking negotiations over the terms of his exit.

It’s understood a deal is edging closer, with the coach promising to clarify his future after leading the Portuguese champions against Estrela da Amadora on Friday night.

“It is a negotiation between two clubs,” Amorim said in English at Sporting’s pre-match press conference. “It’s never easy. Even with the clauses it’s never easy, they have to talk.

“We will have clarification after the game. It will be very clear, so it’s one more day. After the game tomorrow, we will have the decision made.”

Asked what he liked about the Premier League as he prepared to leave the press conference stage, he said with a smile: “Everything”.

Amorim smiled again when asked if watched United play against Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday as he left a press conference that saw him peppered with questions about his future.

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The 39-year-old has reportedly agreed a deal until 2027, with the option of a further season, at the Red Devils, where his first match in charge looks likely to be the November 24 trip to Ipswich.

Amorim is expected to lead Sporting into as Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Manchester City and the trip to Braga next weekend as well as Friday’s encounter with Estela.

Ruud van Nistelrooy would remain as interim manager for United’s three remaining games before the international break having led them to a 5-2 win against Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

The Red Devils host Chelsea on Sunday in the Premier League, before playing PAOK at home in the Europa League and then welcoming Leicester to Old Trafford again.

Van Nistelrooy will preview the Chelsea match at a press conference on Thursday afternoon and has expressed a desire to be a part of Amorim’s new coaching set-up.

The former striker returned to Old Trafford in the summer as one of Ten Hag’s assistants and enjoyed a winning start to life in interim charge.

United full-back Diogo Dalot says Wednesday’s victory against Leicester was the “minimum” they could do in a “tough week” that looks set to end with Amorim’s appointment.

“I mean, obviously he’s a good manager,” the Portugal international told Sky Sports.

“We don’t know if he’s coming or not. We see the rumours, like everybody sees it.

“We will just focus on what we have here, doing our job. Then when what the future brings, we’ll be ready.”

Earlier (10.52am): RUBEN AMORIM IS expected to be confirmed as Manchester United’s new manager on Thursday after the club reached an agreement with Sporting Lisbon, according to reports.

The Athletic said the 39-year-old would stay with the Portuguese league leaders for their next three games, including next week’s Champions League match against Manchester City.

He is expected to take charge at Old Trafford during the November international break, with his first game set to be United’s away trip to Ipswich on 24 November.

Sky Sports said it was understood the Premier League club had paid Sporting an extra €1 million over and above his €10 million exit clause for an early release.

Sporting issued a statement to the Lisbon stock exchange on Tuesday confirming United were willing to meet the release clause.

The 42 reported Tuesday night that Manchester United were still negotiating a deal to secure the staff that Amorim wants to bring with him to Old Trafford before they could confirm the Sporting CP boss as their new manager.

United pulled the plug on Erik ten Hag’s two-year reign as manager on Monday after a 2-1 defeat by West Ham left them 14th in the Premier League.

Amorim quickly emerged as United’s number one option.

United caretaker boss Ruud van Nistelrooy oversaw a 5-2 victory against Leicester in the fourth round of the League Cup on Wednesday.

“I came here as an assistant to help the club,” said Van Nistelrooy. “I’m helping as long as I’m needed and in the future, in any capacity, I’m here to help the club build towards the future.”

Despite spending heavily in the transfer market in the summer, Ten Hag paid the price for United’s poor start to the season.

Prior to the win against Leicester, they had won just one of their past eight games in all competitions.

Earlier reporting: © AFP 2024