Amorim confirms interest from Man Utd, no decision yet

Sporting CP manager Rúben Amorim has acknowledged Manchester United’s interest in making him the Premier League club’s new manager, but insisted he is yet to decide whether to join Old Trafford.

The deal moved closer earlier on Tuesday when the Portuguese club informed the country’s financial regulator that United had confirmed its willingness to pay Amorim’s 10 million euro ($10.79 million) release clause.

Sources have told ESPN that United are determined to complete a deal for the highly-rated manager to replace Erik ten Hag ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea.

Speaking after his side’s 3-1 win over Nacional in the Taca da Liga on Tuesday night, Amorim was unsure whether Sporting’s Primeira Liga match against Estreia Armadora on Friday would be his last with the club.

“There was the club’s statement and that’s the only thing that exists at the moment,” he said. “There is interest from Manchester United. But it has to be my choice. Until everything is decided, we will not make noise. I have nothing to say. I will do whatever I want, like I always did.

“There is a club that is interested and has contacted him and is willing to pay the release clause. I can’t control it. We will see what happens in the next few days. My goal tomorrow is to prepare for the match on Friday against Estreia Armadora.

“No one knows if it’s a farewell match, if there will be a farewell match, that’s something that hasn’t been decided yet, so let’s analyze the match. Once I have made a decision, I will come out and explain my decision. But everything must be defined.

“As the club statement says, it will be my decision. But saying half the things now doesn’t seem the best thing.”

Asked if his English was good, Amorim replied: “It’s rudimentary.”

Due to their stock market listing, Portuguese champions Sporting have an obligation to inform the CMVM – the Portuguese financial regulator – of any significant impact on the club’s business and they have released a statement outlining United’s offer on Amorim.

The declaration to the CMVM specifies: “Sport falls, in the terms and with the aim of fulfilling the information obligation arising from the provisions of Article 17.º of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014, of Parliament European and Council of April 16, informs the market in the following terms: “1. Manchester United FC has expressed its interest in hiring coach Rúben Amorim, and the board of directors of Sporting SAD has referred to the terms and conditions provided for in the employment contract in force between the company and the coach, in particular for the respective termination clause and for the amount of 10,000,000.00 euros;

“2. Manchester United FC has expressed its interest in paying Sporting SAD the amount of the said clause.”

Ruud van Nistelrooy, hired as assistant manager at Ten Hag over the summer, has been named interim head coach by United until a permanent appointment is made and the former United and Real Madrid striker will be in charge of the Carabao Cup match against Leicester City. Wednesday at Old Trafford.

However, it is likely that the game against Leicester will be Van Nistelrooy’s only game in charge if talks with Sporting and Amorim continue to progress at pace.

Ten Hag was sacked on Tuesday after Man United’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham left them 14th in the Premier League.

Amorim has guided Sporting to two league titles since arriving at the club from Braga in 2020. Prior to Amorim’s appointment, Sporting had endured a 19-year wait to end their title drought.

The former Portuguese midfielder was considered by Liverpool, Barcelona, ​​Bayern Munich and West Ham for their vacant coaching positions last season before committing his future to Sporting at the end of last season.

However, reports in Portugal have indicated that Sporting are now preparing for Amorim’s departure this week by lining up the club’s B team coach, João Pereira, to take charge for the remainder of the season.

Amorim received praise from United captain for his time at Sporting Bruno Fernandes.

“Since coach Amorim arrived at Sporting, they have become one of the teams that play the best and most consistent football. I think the signings have been good and they are in a very good moment. They have won last year and this season have started to lead in the standings, they are a very well prepared team,” he said in a press conference with Portugal earlier this month.

“Regarding Mr. Amorim, I spoke about him several times and said that at the moment he is well prepared because it is not easy to win titles at Sporting. Sporting has went 20 years without winning any trophies. Mr. Amorim came and won two and that proves that his work was good.

“Now, if he will be able to do the same thing in England, Spain or elsewhere? We will never know until he gets there but I am sure that Mr. Amorim’s qualities are there for all to see. all.”

Reporting from ESPN’s Adriana Garcia contributed to this report.