Ruben Amorim is set to become Manchester United’s next manager, but the delay in confirming the appointment of the Sporting Lisbon coach is adding to growing uncertainty over when he could take charge.
Sporting have confirmed that United are prepared to pay Amorim’s €10m (£8.3m) release clause, but The Independent understands the Portuguese club are holding out for an extra €5m for the release of coaching staff, as well as an additional payment for the 39-year-old’s immediate release.
Although Sir Dave Brailsford, Ineos’ director of sport, appeared to confirm to fans before the Old Trafford tie that the deal for Amorim was “done”, interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy said he is willing to help United for “as long as needed” after overseeing a 5-2 win over Leicester City on Wednesday night.
Both Amorim and Van Nistelrooy are set to appear at press conferences this afternoon and will give updates on their futures, with time ticking until United host Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.
Follow all the latest news and updates below as United close in on their new manager:
Manchester United new manager: Latest news and updates
- Manchester United expected to appoint Ruben Amorim as new manager
- But there is growing uncertainty over when Amorim could take charge
- Amorim provides latest update in media press conference
- Amorim states: ‘We’ll have clarification after the next game'
- Ruud van Nistelrooy guides Man Utd to 5-2 win over Leicester
- Van Nistelrooy will carry out media duties ahead of Chelsea game, at 4pm
- Sir Dave Brailsford tells fans outside Old Trafford: ‘It’s done’
- How Ruben Amorim will change Manchester United – starting with three things
Ruud van Nistelrooy will be on Man Utd media duty as Ruben Amorim talks continue
14:06
Mike Jones
Ruud van Nistelrooy will undertake Manchester United’s pre-match media duties on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s game against Chelsea as the club continue talks to hire Ruben Amorim.
Former Red Devils striker Van Nistelrooy is in temporary charge while United continue to negotiate with Sporting Lisbon for the services of head coach Amorim.
The Dutchman, at the helm for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Leicester at Old Trafford, may still be in charge for Sunday’s Premier League match.
More updates after Estrela game
13:59
Mike Jones
Sporting coach Ruben Amorim says he will talk more about potentially becoming the new Manchester United boss after Sporting’s match with Estrela tomorrow.
He said: “I know you travelled here to talk about it and that’s natural, but we’ll leave that until the end of the game [when] I’ll talk about all these issues. Right now I want the team to focus and me too.
“I promise I’ll talk about it at the end of the game [on Friday] and everything will be clearer. By talking now, it’s destabilising the squad further.
“Right now, the focus is on Estrela da Amadora. As for doing things differently, I wouldn’t. I didn’t control any of the situation.”
‘What makes me nervous is the situation itself’: Amorim on interest from Man Utd
13:55
Mike Jones
Ruben Amorim gave a press conference for Sporting CP earlier this afternoon and answered the majority of the media’s questions in Portuguese.
Here are some of his thoughts, translated by Sky Sport News, about the situation linking him to Manchester United.
Amorim said: “The relationship [with President of Sporting Frederico Varandas] is very good. there is no war. Tomorrow it will be cleared up, it is not in my nature or the president’s.
“The focus now is on the game, I felt the players were different in the talk, I could have said that the atmosphere was good and that nobody reads the news but I know the players feel anxious.
“There was no revolt at all, we are ready to win. There are things we cannot control, the clubs are negotiating and the coach’s decision does not matter.
“What makes me most nervous is very clear: the situation itself. Everything around me, makes me very nervous, it is difficult to focus on the games but I am managing to do so. The soap opera is coming to an end and the fact that I can’t be so clear creates a lot of difficulty for me.”
Man Utd edging closer to Ruben Amorim appointment
13:33
Mike Jones
Manchester United are edging closer to the appointment of Ruben Amorim but the head coach is expected to stay at Sporting Lisbon until November’s international break.
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 highly-rated coach Amorim and informed Sporting that they would meet his €10 (£8.4m) release clause, sparking negotiations over his exit.
Amorim gives update on Man Utd situation
13:19
Mike Jones
Ruben Amorim was asked one question in English at the very end of his press conference about the negotations with Manchester United and why they are taking a while.
He replied: “It’s a negotation between two clubs, it is never easy. Even with the clauses it is never easy, they have to talk. We will have clarification after the game [against Estrela].
“It will be very clear, it is one more day, after the game tomorrow we will have the decision made.”
Amorim press conference underway
13:13
Mike Jones
Ruben Amorim is currently speaking to the Portuguese media after of Sporting’s next fixture tomorrow night.
So far the questions have all been in Portuguese (understandably) but by the sounds of it Amorim has been adamant that his focus is on the game against Estrela and he will discuss Manchester United after that.
Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals sacrifices of Manchester United return and how ‘culture’ is being restored
12:57
Mike Jones
Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed he was shocked when Manchester United approached him to return to Old Trafford in the summer and said he is making sacrifices he would not for any other club.
The Dutchman is set to take charge of United for the first time against Leicester in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie as the interim manager following Erik ten Hag’s sacking.
Van Nistelrooy was added to Ten Hag’s coaching staff as an assistant manager in July, though he admitted they did not know each other before then.
Amorim to face media again
12:39
Mike Jones
Ruben Amorim is set to face the media again after of the weekend’s fixtures. He last did a press conference on Tuesday night after Sporting’s League Cup over Nacional.
Here is what he said:
“We have to wait a little bit more to explain what I need to explain, then it will be very clear,” says Ruben Amorim. “Yes, it is my decision, I will tell everything, we have to wait. I don’t know [how long].”
Pushed over whether he will be at Old Trafford for Man Utd v Chelsea on Sunday, Amorim maintains he will still be in Portugal.
“I will be here [at Sporting].”
Definitely?
“I don’t know.”
What updates will the Portuguese manager provide this afternoon?
Sporting push for extra compensation for Ruben Amorim’s assistant coaches
12:19
Mike Jones
Manchester United could face more expenses to prize Ruben Amorim away from Sporting, the Independent understands.
On top of the £8.3m release clause, Sporting are pushing for more compensation for Amorim’s assistant coaches, with as much as £4.1m more demanded.
It would also allow Amorim to waive a 30-day notice period, reports in Portugal add.
What is the Carabao Cup draw?
12:00
Mike Jones
The latest updates coming out of Portugal are that Ruben Amorim will join Manchester United during the next international break. He would have a few nice Premier League fixtures to bed in before the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in December.
The draw took place last night, here’s how it looks:
Tottenham vs Manchester United
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Newcastle vs Brentford
Southampton vs Liverpool
All ties will take place during week beginning 16 December and the Tottenham clash could be the first real test of Amorim’s reign. Ange Postecoglou wants to win a trophy and the Carabao Cup may be Spurs’ best chance this year.
Ruben Amorim says ‘nothing has been decided’ amid interest from Manchester United
11:38
Mike Jones
Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim has addressed the reports linking him with the vacant managerial role at Manchester United and says ‘nothing has been decided’.
He spoke to the media following his team’s 3-1 victory over Nacional in the Portuguese league cup on Tuesday evening but refused to confirm whether he will be the man to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
“Nothing is decided yet. I don’t know if it’s the farewell game or not.” said the 39-year-old when asked if he had overseen a Sporting match for the final time.
Amorim and Van Nistelrooy on media duties
11:18
Mike Jones
Despite being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford Ruben Amorim is still manager of Sporting CP and is due to speak to the media at 1pm GMT this afternoon to preview their next league game against Estrela.
No doubt Amorim will be asked about the Manchester United links again so we’ll see if he offers any other updates (though that’s doubtful).
After that, Ruud van Nistelrooy (4pm) will conduct his first news conference as United’s interim manager and he will be excited following the Red Devils 5-3 victory over Leicester in their first match since the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.
Ruben Amorim could meet Mikel Arteta early on in Man Utd reign
11:10
Jack Rathborn
Ruben Amorim could lock horns with Mikel Arteta in the first few weeks of his Man Utd reign.
The Portuguese coach knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League in 2023 while in charge of Sporting.
The sides meet on 4 December, with Amorim reportedly set to wait until after the international break until taking charge.
That would give him a run of games against Ipswich, Bodo/Glimt and Everton before a trip to the Emirates.
Van Nistelrooy hails Casemiro impact after stunning strike vs Leicester
10:51
Jack Rathborn
"The first goal was an unbelievable, top goal - fantastic finish," Van Nistelrooy told MUTV.
"I'm delighted for him that the first goal went in. I was delighted for Case, the way he's been training and helping the team and the club, he's such an example. You also see the crowd's reaction and they also know what he's about.
“Of course, going through difficult moments, the Liverpool game, he got a lot of criticism. It was so hard, he was almost the one to blame for that game and it’s not fair, he didn’t deserve that, it was not true. “If you see him in training and the way he prepares for games, with the history and all he has achieved with five Champions Leagues, he’s an example for us. That was part of my celebration, I’m happy for him.”
Van Nistelrooy praises Dalot impact at Manchester United
10:35
Jack Rathborn
“We want to get a lot of the ball, attack and try to give the fans a good night,” Van Nistelrooy said, before praising Diogo Dalot.
“Diogo is a very important member of the team. He is one of the leaders and is always training professionally.
"He is always there to help the team and I was delighted."
How Ruben Amorim would change Manchester United – starting with three things
10:22
Jack Rathborn
Amorim’s favoured 3-4-2-1
Amorim first tried a back three early in his coaching career and he quickly settled upon a preferred 3-4-2-1 shape. At Sporting the system could flex into a 3-4-3 with two wide forwards rather than typical No 10s, and occasionally he played with a 3-5-2, but Amorim rarely deviated from his three-at-the-back foundation.
When Sporting built from deep, two adventurous wing-backs hugged the touchlines to stretch the pitch, leaving space for confident centre-backs to either carry the ball upfield or play passes into midfield. At United, Lisandro Martinez could slot into the left side of a three-man defence while Matthijs de Ligt would likely be the central pin.
For the wing-back roles, Amorim has good options on the right side in his fellow Portuguese Diogo Dalot and summer signing Noussair Mazraoui, who have both made bright starts to the season. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia would be natural choices at left wing-back but both players have struggled to stay fit and this might be an area where Amorim needs a January reinforcement. He could instead turn to youth, with 17-year-old left-back Harry Amass considered one of United’s best prospects.
Ruben Amorim to pen 2.5-year contract at Manchester United
10:05
Jack Rathborn
Ruben Amorim is poised to sign a 2.5 year contract, the Independent understands.
So while the Portuguese is highly rated, there is an element of caution there from Ineos.
Given the cost of the operation, with a €10m release clause and a further €1m for his staff and the early release, 2.5 years would appear to be the minimum level of commitment from United’s side.
Ruben Amorim could start at Old Trafford after next international break?
09:52
Jack Rathborn
Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge of Manchester United might have to wait.
That’s because negotiations could leave the Portuguese in charge for several games at Sporting before completing his move to Old Trafford during the next international break, which starts on 11 November.
Man Utd face Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester, again, following last night’s Carabao Cup win, before the break.
It would leave Amorim’s first game in charge away at Ipswich.
Amorim’s appointment could be the key to unlocking Fernandes’ true potential
09:31
Lawrence Ostlere
The Man Utd captain scored his first goals of the season against Leicester and could improve under the leadership of his incoming countryman:
Brailsford appears to drop major news in United’s pursuit of Amorim
09:11
Lawrence Ostlere
Sir Dave Brailsford has dropped a major hint that Ruben Amorim will be Manchester United’s next manager, appearing to tell fans outside Old Trafford that the deal was “done”.
Full story:
‘Deal agreed’: Ruben Amorim will be next Manchester United manager
08:35
Lawrence Ostlere
A deal has been fully agreed between Man Utd and Sporting for Ruben Amorim to become the club’s next manager, according to the Telegraph.
The report says Amorim will stay in charge of Sporting for the next three games, and will take over at Old Trafford during the international break.
An announcement could be due today...
Van Nistelrooy vows to stay and support next manager
08:21
Lawrence Ostlere
Asked if he is happy to remain in interim charge as negotiations for Amorim continue, Van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports: “Of course - I came here as an assistant to help the club.
“Now in this role I’m helping as long as I’m needed. And in the future in any capacity, I’m here to help the club further, to build towards the future and that’s what I’m here for.”
Amorim’s coaching set-up is among the matters being discussed and Van Nistelrooy, who returned to United in the summer as one of Ten Hag’s assistants, indicated he would like to be part of it.
Pushed on whether he wants to be part of the new backroom team at United, the former striker said: “As I said, I’m here to help, I’m here to serve, I’m here to give my everything for the club in any capacity with so many people here around me that want the best for the club and that will never change.”
Sir Dave Brailsford indicates Ruben Amorim deal is ‘done’
07:59
Lawrence Ostlere
Sir Dave Brailsford, Ineos’ director of sport, appeared to confirm to fans before the Old Trafford tie that the deal for Amorim was “done”.
Sporting denied that any agreement for the head coach’s departure has been reached in a statement to A Bola, adding that they have “not yet received any amount regarding the termination clause”.
Reports suggest the Portuguese champions want Amorim, who has a 30-day notice period, to oversee their final three matches before November’s international break - a period in which United host Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester.
Van Nistelrooy appears likely to at least take charge against the Blues on Sunday, even if official confirmation of Amorim’s appointment comes before the weekend.
Van Nistelrooy vows to stay and support next manager
07:42
Lawrence Ostlere
Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is keen to form part of Ruben Amorim’s new coaching set-up as Manchester United continue talks to hire the Sporting Lisbon boss.
The Red Devils called time on Erik ten Hag’s 29-month reign after the Old Trafford hierarchy unanimously decided enough was enough following Sunday’s late loss at West Ham.
Van Nistelrooy was put in temporary charge as United look for a new head coach, with the club informing Sporting they would pay the 10million euros (£8.3m) termination clause in Amorim’s contract.
Negotiations continue as the Red Devils seek to bring in the Portuguese as quickly as possible, but Wednesday’s 5-2 Carabao Cup win against Leicester suggested they are in safe hands if the situation drags on.
Man Utd face key hurdle in talks with Sporting over manager Ruben Amorim
06:00
Mike Jones
Manchester United are locked in talks with Sporting CP over the hiring of Ruben Amorim, as the Portuguese club hold out over compensation payments for their manager and his coaching staff.
After sacking Erik ten Hag on Monday, United’s hierarchy moved quickly to identify Amorim as the next manager at Old Trafford.
In an official statement, Sporting notified the Portuguese financial regulator, with the club listed on the stock market, of United’s position as negotiations continue over the €10m (£8.3m) release clause.
Sporting demand compensation for coaching staff
05:00
Mike Jones
Talks between the two clubs are ongoing and The Independent understands that Sporting are demanding €5m to release the key coaching staff that Ruben Amorim would like to take with him to Old Trafford.
The club are also thought to be asking Manchester United to pay more that the initial €10m compensation for breaking Amorim out of his contract immediately.
Ruben Amorim is ‘very humble, discreet, and has a very clear mindset’
04:00
Mike Jones
Former Liverpool and Portugal defender Abel Xavier took his coaching badges alongside Ruben Amorim and was impressed with the Sporting coach.
“He is very humble, discreet, and has a very clear mindset,” Xavier told BBC World Service.
“At Braga we saw an immediate impact because, with the same squad, with the same players, he transformed the team.
“He put in place his ideas, he changed the dynamic, he created empathy, and of course a big club like Sporting Lisbon paid to have him.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy happy to ‘help and serve’ Manchester United’s next manager
03:00
Mike Jones
Ruud van Nistelrooy has vowed to stay on at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim if he is wanted to and said he will serve as interim manager for as long as they ask him to.
The former United striker won his first game in temporary charge after Erik ten Hag’s sacking by overseeing a 5-2 win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup, with both Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes scoring twice.
Where does Ruben Amorim fee rank in Manchester United’s transfer business?
02:00
Mike Jones
Manchester United transfers 24/25
1) Leny Yoro - €62m
2) Manuel Ugarte - €50m
3) Matthijs de Ligt - €45m
4) Joshua Zirkzee - €42.5m
5) Noussair Mazraoui - €15m
6) Ruben Amorim - €10m
Ruben Amorim on how his players would react if he joined Manchester United
00:05
Mike Jones
“Without a doubt, without a doubt,” Amorim admits when asked if his players would be mad with him for leaving. “But I don’t interfere in the players’ lives. Now I talk to the players, because I’m Sporting coach. I want to do well for the group.
“I talked to the board about how we are going to manage the squad. But without a doubt my players will be, if I leave, they will be disappointed in me and sad with me. But it’s part of life.
“That happened with me already in Braga. When I came from Braga, from Braga’s stability to here, that happened a little.
“And they were a little disappointed, because they really believed that we were building something special. But then things happen that change people’s lives. And so, it’s a difficult situation.
“I can’t give you more than that. I understand that the players are even disappointed, sad. But I have to live with it. And the important thing is that we reach the end and know how to explain everything.
“Whether people understand it or not, the important thing is to come forward and explain it. And that’s what I’m going to do.”
Ruben Amorim remains coy on desire to join Manchester United
Wednesday 30 October 2024 23:46
Mike Jones
“We haven’t got to that part. The club talks to another club, is talking to another club, and then you take the next step with the coach.
“And whether I want to go or not, I’ll say later. That’s the decision we’re talking about here. I won’t say.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s debut outing proves Manchester United were right to dismiss Erik ten Hag
Wednesday 30 October 2024 23:20
Mike Jones
Ruud van Nistelrooy always promised goals for Manchester United. There were 36 in his first season as a player, 44 in his second. There were seven in his first game as their interim manager, five of them for United. The third-lowest scorers in the Premier League, United discovered a prolific streak under him. If it is to prove his lone evening in charge of United, what a night for him.
It was a nostalgia trip when Van Nistelrooy headed down the tunnel at half-time to be serenaded by the Stretford End. The choruses of his name, the guttural growls of “Ruud”, may have transported them back to 2003, to a happier time, and if United can forever seek solace in their past, when actually needing to escape it, this was an enjoyable interlude before Ruben Amorim’s tenure begins, assuming it does and depending on when it actually starts.
How Ruben Amorim will change Manchester United – starting with three things
Wednesday 30 October 2024 22:55
Mike Jones
If Ruben Amorim’s task of restoring Manchester United to the champions of England looks nigh on impossible from the team’s lowly current position, at least he is a manager with form for remarkable transformation.
Amorim took charge of Sporting CP in March 2020, as a 35-year-old coach with only two months’ experience managing in the Portuguese top flight. He inherited a giant club without a league title in 18 years, in disarray on and off the field after the exits of key players Raphinha, Bas Dost and Bruno Fernandes – ironically now set to be his captain at Old Trafford.
Amorim quickly set about imprinting his own football identity. In his first full season in charge, his young side set a league record 32-game unbeaten run on their way to winning the Primeira Liga, ending the long duopoly of Porto and Benfica. Sporting lost only one league game all season, against Benfica, after already securing the title.
Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals sacrifices of Manchester United return and how ‘culture’ is being restored
Wednesday 30 October 2024 22:08
Mike Jones
Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed he was shocked when Manchester United approached him to return to Old Trafford in the summer and said he is making sacrifices he would not for any other club.
The Dutchman is set to take charge of United for the first time against Leicester in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie as the interim manager following Erik ten Hag’s sacking.
Van Nistelrooy was added to Ten Hag’s coaching staff as an assistant manager in July, though he admitted they did not know each other before then.
Man Utd face key hurdle in talks with Sporting over manager Ruben Amorim
Wednesday 30 October 2024 21:45
Mike Jones
What we know so far as Manchester United try to prise Ruben Amorim from Sporting:
Ruben Amorim’s stance after Sporting’s League Cup win Tuesday night
Wednesday 30 October 2024 21:24
Mike Jones
“We have to wait a little bit more to explain what I need to explain, then it will be very clear,” says Ruben Amorim. “Yes, it is my decision, I will tell everything, we have to wait. I don’t know [how long].”
Pushed over whether he will be at Old Trafford for Man Utd v Chelsea on Sunday, Amorim maintains he will still be in Portugal.
“I will be here [at Sporting].”
Definitely?
“I don’t know.”
Sporting Lisbon push for extra compensation for Ruben Amorim’s assistant coaches
Wednesday 30 October 2024 21:01
Mike Jones
Manchester United could face more expenses to prize Ruben Amorim away from Sporting Lisbon, the Independent understands.
On top of the £8.3m release clause, Sporting are pushing for more compensation for Amorim’s assistant coaches, with as much as £4.1m more demanded.
It would also allow Amorim to waive a 30-day notice period, reports in Portugal add.
What Ruben Amorim needs to do at Man Utd
Wednesday 30 October 2024 20:46
Mike Jones
Re-engage fans
Old Trafford has been beset with an air of toxicity since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013.
Although Jose Mourinho had brief success, trouble never seemed far away. Only heroic feats as a player and an amazing spell as interim saved Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from fierce criticism.
The new manager has to turn around the atmosphere at the club and have everyone pulling in the same direction.
What Ruben Amorim needs to do at Man Utd
Wednesday 30 October 2024 20:23
Mike Jones
Order some shooting practice
Ten Hag will have cleared out his office on Monday thinking about what could have been had his players scored some of their first-half chances at West Ham on Sunday.
That has been United’s biggest Achilles heel so far as they have failed to make their dominance count in games.
Only Southampton and Crystal Palace have scored fewer than them in the Premier League so far, so the new manager must find a way for his players to be more clinical.
What Ruben Amorim needs to do at Man Utd
Wednesday 30 October 2024 20:00
Mike Jones
Provide a clear identity
A big criticism during the Ten Hag era was that there was no identity to his United side and it was a mystery as to how they would set up from one game to the next.
The new manager must change that and provide a team with an obvious personality and defined character – preferably one that attacks and plays on the front foot.
What Ruben Amorim needs to do at Man Utd
Wednesday 30 October 2024 19:42
Mike Jones
Sort out form
It is the most obvious place to start, but Ruben Amorim will be expected to turn results around quickly.
Erik ten Hag was ultimately fired because he was simply not winning enough games and the new man must hit the ground running.
He will inherit a side 14th in the Premier League after four defeats from their opening nine games and struggling in the Europa League.
Man Utd host Leicester in first match since Erik ten Hag’s exit - follow live
Wednesday 30 October 2024 19:31
Jamie Braidwood
Manchester United face their first match since the sacking of Erik ten Hag, as they host Leicester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Already talks to bring in Ruben Amorim as a replacement look significantly advanced, but for this match it will be Ruud van Nistelrooy in the dugout as interim boss.
Trying to capitalise on the situation at Old Trafford will be the Foxes, whose back-to-back league wins were halted last time out by Nottingham Forest - but sat in 15th, just two points behind United,
They’ll be happy enough with their season’s start and perhaps sense an opportunity to provide a shock in this fixture.
Follow updates from Man United vs Leicester in our match live blog, here:
Pep Guardiola lauds Ruben Amorim’s rise and recalls experience of facing Sporting manager
Wednesday 30 October 2024 19:26
Mike Jones
Pep Guardiola on Ruben Amorim’s rapid rise in football: “What’s the problem? I started in Barcelona at 37 from the fourth division. Knowledge is knowledge.
“If you’re able, it doesn’t matter. For that reason, Lamine Yamal could not play at 17, right? He has to wait till 24...
“The experience against Ruben’s Sporting one or two seasons ago was really, really good. I spoke with Matheus Nunes and he spoke highly. This season he’s unbeaten winning all of the games in the league, and the Champions League has the same points with us...”
Pep Guardiola offers Erik ten Hag support after Man Utd sacking
Wednesday 30 October 2024 19:05
Mike Jones
Pep Guardiola has offered to give Erik ten Hag advice or support following his sacking by Manchester United.
“Any time! Seriously! Always we are open, but I think it’s not going to happen,” Guardiola said. “But I know his agent a little bit, so the relation is there, no problem for me, for us...”
Bruno Fernandes on Ruben Amorim’s potential as a manager
Wednesday 30 October 2024 18:45
Mike Jones
Bruno Fernandes spoke glowingly last year about Ruben Amorim and his potential as a manager.
The Sporting boss has been tipped to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and the Portuguese midfielder’s remarks from last year suggest he will be pleased with the potential appointment.
“I think all the qualities are there to be able to succeed in English, French, or Spanish football,” Fernandes told SportTV last year.
“Obviously, we know that the Premier League is probably the most desired. The qualities [to succeed in England] are there and he has everything to take the next step, in my opinion.”
Even in glory, Erik ten Hag showed why Manchester United had to sack him
Wednesday 30 October 2024 18:22
Mike Jones
It says much about Manchester United’s decision on Monday to sack Erik ten Hag, as well as the club’s long-term indecision, that even the Dutch coach’s great victory offered reasons to make a change. In the days before May’s FA Cup final, the Dutch coach was insistent on going “toe to toe” with Manchester City. It was only after hours of internal debate, led by Darren Fletcher, that Ten Hag relented. He had to be told to go with different tactics.
United still persisted with the manager, even though the decision to make a change had largely been settled on before that final. That stance was revealed with how they essentially interviewed Ten Hag for his own job over the weeks after, in a first big move by the new Ineos football leadership. It immediately undermined another season. United’s multi-headed hierarchy couldn’t ultimately settle on the right replacement, which remains a problem. That, allied with initial fan emotion, was the only reason that the decision was delayed until now.
How Ruben Amorim will change Manchester United – starting with three things
Wednesday 30 October 2024 18:00
Jack Rathborn
Keep the ball
Man United’s best performances under Ten Hag tended to be without an emphasis on retaining the ball – think of the rapid counter-attack to undo Manchester City in the FA Cup final. That is unlikely to be Amorim’s approach.
The numbers reveal Sporting’s style. His team dominated the ball during his time in charge, averaging around 60 per cent of possession in league games. They were careful with the ball, completing the league’s highest percentage of attempted passes (84.1 per cent, via fbref) last season and attempting the fewest long passes of any side. Their average passing distance of 16.8 yards was the second shortest in the league.
Sporting’s possession play began from the back, and they recorded the second shortest average passing distance among goalkeepers, with which United’s Andre Onana will be comfortable. They also played the second fewest number of ‘switches’, showing how Amorim preferred his side to work the ball across the pitch with precise short passes, rather than take a risk with a raking diagonal to the opposite flank.
Manchester United settle on ‘unanimous’ Erik ten Hag decision due to two clear reasons
Wednesday 30 October 2024 16:16
Mike Jones
Manchester United have sacked Erik ten Hag and put Ruud van Nistelrooy in interim charge after deciding there was no excuse for their current underachievement.
In a unanimous decision by the club’s new hierarchy, the Independent understands, United decided neither results nor performances were good enough to give them reasons to persist with Ten Hag.
United had triggered a one-year contract extension for the Dutchman – though only after speaking to a host of other managers – and in September, new chief executive Omar Berrada said they were “fully backing him” while sporting director Dan Ashworth also gave Ten Hag his support.
