Manchester United eye former Liverpool target as Erik ten Hag replacement

Manchester United are in discussions to appoint Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, according to The Athletic.

It is believed that the 39-year-old is interested in the opportunity following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag earlier on Monday.

United are prepared to trigger Amorim’s €10million (£8.3million) release clause, with negotiations between the two clubs underway.

Ruud van Nistelrooy could take interim charge until Amorim’s arrival is finalised.

Amorim has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after young managers, having achieved significant success with Sporting Lisbon.

Man United have moved swiftly, making him their top target to replace Ten Hag.

Previously, Amorim was considered for the role of Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool before Arne Slot ultimately secured the position.

He also engaged in discussions regarding the managerial vacancy at West Ham but later expressed regret over that meeting, calling it “a mistake.”

During his tenure at Sporting, Amorim won the Primeira Liga title in 2021 and last season, as well as the Taca da Liga – Portugal’s League Cup – twice with Sporting and once with his former club, Braga.

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.”

Ten Hag, who was appointed in April 2022, led United to victory in the League Cup during his first season and secured the FA Cup in May.

Despite a summer review that retained Ten Hag as manager, Manchester United had previously explored other potential candidates, including current England head coach Thomas Tuchel, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna.

Man United will return to Premier League action with a home match against Chelsea on Sunday, followed by fixtures against three of the current bottom five teams: Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Everton in the coming month.

Additionally, they have two Europa League games scheduled against PAOK and Bodo/Glimt.

Currently, they sit 21st in the revamped league phase of the European competition after failing to secure a win in their first three matches.

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