Manchester United ‘hoping to finalise deal’ for Ruben Amorim before Chelsea tie
Amorim wants to join Manchester United
Manchester United are hoping to finalise a deal with Ruben Amorim to appoint him as the club’s new manager, according to ESPN.
It is believed that the Sporting coach could be appointed in time to take charge of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea.
Amorim is eager to leave Sporting, with the Portuguese club resigned to losing their highly regarded head coach to Man United.
While a deal has not yet been finalised, Amorim has communicated his desire to leave and succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Known for his tough negotiating skills, Amorim has previously engaged in discussions with United without reaching an agreement.
However, the €10million (£8.3million) compensation fee required to release Amorim from his contract is not expected to pose a significant obstacle.
More pressing may be Amorim’s personal financial expectations and the composition of his backroom staff, although there is optimism that these issues can be resolved.
The 39-year-old has emerged as United’s top choice following a series of discussions in recent weeks, with formal negotiations commencing yesterday after Ten Hag’s dismissal.
Sporting will face Nacional in a Portuguese Cup tie at home this evening, after which Amorim is likely to address his future.
There is a possibility he could announce his departure following the quarter-final match.
Ruben Amorim, who speaks fluent English, is one of Europe’s most sought-after young managers and has been on Man United’s radar for some time.
Last summer, his release clause was set at €15million (£12.5million), but it has since been reduced according to the terms of his contract.
Amorim is known for his confidence and his preferred 3-4-3 formation.
It remains to be seen whether he will maintain this approach if he joins United.
Man United are also considering former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic, who is currently available after leaving the German club this summer despite leading them to the Champions League final.
Terzic is also fluent in English and has been contacted regarding the position.
Ten Hag was dismissed following a meeting with chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth at the Carrington training ground on Monday morning.
Man United plan to hire a head coach under their new structure, as opposed to a manager – a title that Ten Hag held and fiercely protected.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, appointed as one of Ten Hag’s assistants in July, has been placed in temporary charge as interim head coach until a permanent replacement is found.
The United players will train under Van Nistelrooy and assistant Rene Hake for the first time on Tuesday, ahead of their Carabao Cup last-16 match against Leicester City at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Read more: Premier League manager looking forward to facing Manchester United manager target
Arne Slot reveals Liverpool transfer stance on Federico Chiesa
