Manchester United ‘make contact’ with Sporting’s Ruben Amorim amid interest from Manchester City
Man City City have lined up Ruben Amorim if Pep Guardiola leaves at the end of the season
Manchester United have approached Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim, as Manchester City also consider him a potential successor to Pep Guardiola if he leaves when his contract expires in the summer, according to Manchester Evening News.
Amorim has emerged as City’s top candidate to replace Guardiola.
Man City’s incoming sporting director, Hugo Viana, is set to finish the season at Sporting and shares a close professional and personal bond with Amorim.
However, United are attempting to persuade Amorim that Man City may lose their dominance in English football if Guardiola departs next year.
Guardiola has led Man City to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, and the Club World Cup since 2016.
Ruben Amorim, who has led Sporting since 2020, ended the club’s 19-year title drought with a league triumph in 2021.
The 39-year-old was previously interviewed by West Ham United earlier this year, though the club ultimately appointed former Wolves and Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui.
It is believed that Man United are prepared to trigger Amorim’s €10million (£8.3million) release clause, with negotiations between the two clubs underway.
Man United have moved swiftly, making him their top target to replace Erik Ten Hag who was sacked by the club on Monday.
He has developed a reputation for nurturing young talent and enhancing individual player performance.
As a player, Amorim was a midfielder who won three league titles with Benfica and earned 14 caps for the Portugal national team.
Asked about the reports linking him to United, Amorim earlier told reporters: “I was expecting that question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise, I’ll always have to comment, so it’s not worth it, I won’t comment.
“I’m very proud to be the coach of Sporting, that’s all.
“I didn’t know about United’s interest, if there is any.
“Quenda is still very young, has few games and it’s good that he keeps his feet on the ground.
“The price is not up to me, it’s up to the president.
“I won’t comment on my future.”
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