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.
United will pay Amorim’s €10m (£8.3m) release clause, but The Independent understands the club are negotiating with the Portuguese champions to ensure Amorim does not have to serve a 30-day notice period, while they also want to agree terms to bring his backroom staff to Old Trafford.
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.
On Thursday, Amorim said the “soap opera” about his future is ending as he suggested his move to Manchester United will be announced on Friday evening. Sporting want to keep Amorim until the November international break - which would mean he would face Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Follow all the latest news and updates below as United close in on their new manager:
Man Utd 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
- Van Nistelrooy reveals next steps of manager search
- Sir Dave Brailsford tells fans outside Old Trafford: ‘It’s done’
- How Amorim will change Manchester United – starting with three things
Three traits Ruben Amorim will need to change Manchester United
17:50
Mike Jones
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.
Read more here:
Three traits Ruben Amorim will need to change Manchester United
17:28
Mike Jones
Trust in youth
Amorim inherited a squad which had been ravaged by the sales of key players, with Bruno Fernandes’s move to Manchester United being the most high profile. That money was barely reinvested in the transfer market, meaning Amorim had little choice but to build a team around emerging homegrown talents such as Eduardo Quaresma, Matheus Nunes and Nuno Mendes.
He did so brilliantly, and the young stars of his first title-winning campaign have gone on to play for some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Matheus Nunes moved to Manchester City for £40m; Nuno Mendes went to PSG for £35m; Manuel Ugarte joined PSG for £50m, before moving to Old Trafford where he will be reunited with his former manager; Pedro Porro was bought by Tottenham for £30m.
Read more below:
Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals next steps of Manchester United manager search
16:52
Richard Jolly
Ruud van Nistelrooy said he had consulted with Sir Alex Ferguson before his first game in charge of Manchester United and revealed Erik ten Hag left Old Trafford hurt to be sacked but proud of his achievements.
The Dutchman won his first match as interim manager, 5-2 against Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, and expects to remain the caretaker for Sunday’s match against Chelsea, even as United close in on Ruben Amorim.
Van Nistelrooy has not yet been in contact with the Sporting Lisbon manager but underlined that it is his “absolute goal” to stay at United.
Van Nistelrooy on Ruben Amorim
16:51
Mike Jones
Ruud van Nistelrooy was asked whether he would discuss the next few matches with Ruben Amorim or whether he would select the teams himself.
He replied:“Is he [Amorim] already announced? So we don’t know. Again, what the future will bring, we will see.”
Van Nistelrooy on whether he’ll remain as assistant
16:48
Mike Jones
Ruud van Nistelrooy on if he expects to stay as assistant: “We will see but it is the contract situation I am in and my desire to help the club forward.
“I can speak to you about my side of the story and after, when the new manager is signing and conversations take place, we have to see how things develop.”
Ruben Amorim’s United could look drastically different from game one
16:45
Mike Jones
Rubem Amorim’s Manchester United could look immediately very different to Erik ten Hag’s.
Since last season, Sporting have the fourth-highest defensive line from the major leagues in Europe with 45.20m, with Man City top with 46.70m.
Arsenal sit sixth on 44.70m away from goal and Liverpool are 10th on 44.20m.
The Red Devils, under Ten Hag in that time, sit 41.70m away from goal.
‘Ten Hag cared about the club’ says Van Nistelrooy
16:43
Mike Jones
“Yes I saw him Monday here and spoke to him before the game, he is very disappointed and touched. He cared for the club, the first conversations we had, I felt he cared and loved the club and wanted to bring the club forward. That is where we connected. He is also proud of his achievements here.
“In the end, it is also clear in football that is the results and Erik also said, in pre-season we had new staff and all were very positive and all working hard to bring the club forward.
“There are things you can’t explain sometimes. I also remember the Brighton goal we scored and then you concede the 2-1, so many games we felt we could get a better result, talking Palace, West Ham, Porto, Fenerbahce but we also know it is about results and that is part of our job.”
Van Nistelrooy’s press conference
16:39
Mike Jones
“I decided to come back here for a very important reasons, that I am here as an assistant, I came here to help the club forward and I am still very motivated to do so in any capacity, as an assistant and now an interim and after that I go back to my assistant contract that I have for this season and next. I am very motivated to stay here and help the club forward. That’s my goal.
“I can speak about my side of the story and when a new manager is signing and conversations take place we have to see how things develop.
“I want to do everything I can with my abilities to help this club.”
Van Nistelrooy press conference
16:37
Mike Jones
Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy spoke about whether he will be in charge of the club on Sunday.
He said: “I am guessing that too, as I said I was told it is going to be a short job as an interim, I was happy with that, I felt that I was called upon to help the club in the situation and obviously it was difficult, Erik had to leave, with mixed feelings but you have to switch the mindset to win, at the end 75,000 people waiting and millions watching at home.
“That is what we try to do and same on Sunday.”
Ruben Amorim put in tricky position amid Man Utd negotiations
16:21
Jamie Braidwood
What did Ruben Amorim say about Manchester United?
“It’s a negotiation between two clubs. It’s never easy, even with the [release] clauses. They have to talk. We will have clarification after the game, it will be very clear. So it’s one more day and after the game tomorrow, we will have a decision made. 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 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.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy to speak to media shortly after Ruben Amorim update
16:05
Jamie Braidwood
Ruud van Nistelrooy will speak to the media at 4:30pm this afternoon, after Ruben Amorim said the “soap opera” around his Manchester United appointment is close to coming to an end and will be clarified tomorrow night.
Van Nistelrooy took charge of United’s Carabao Cup win over Leicester City on Wednesday night and is set to remain in charge for Sunday’s match against Chelsea - with reports suggesting that Amorim may not start until the November international break.
Ruben Amorim on how his players would react if he joined Manchester United
15:48
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.”
Man Utd hiring the ‘best coach in Portugal’, says Mourinho
15:27
Lawrence Ostlere
Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United are hiring the “best coach in Portugal”.
That’s according to the Manchester Evening News, which recalls how Amorim visited United's Carrington training complex when Mourinho was manager in April 2018 for an internship. Amorim had started a postgraduate degree at the University of Lisbon and Mourinho was a coordinator and lecturer on its high performance coaching course.
Amorim, Mourinho remembers, was a “good kid” who sticks to his preferred style of play whatever the opposition, and who is “always intense”.
Latest: Ruben Amorim promises more clarity over ‘soap opera’ move to Manchester United
15:24
Richard Jolly
Ruben Amorim said the “soap opera” about his future is ending as he suggested his move to Manchester United will be announced on Friday evening.
United will activate the 39-year-old’s £8.3m release clause with Sporting Lisbon but they are negotiating with the Portuguese champions to ensure Amorim does not have to serve a 30-day notice period, while they also want to agree terms to bring his backroom staff to Old Trafford.
Sporting hope to keep Amorim until the November international break - which would mean he would face Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday - and they host Estrela on Friday night, with Amorim believing he will be able to provide more of an update then.
Amorim set to be confirmed as Man Utd’s next manager inside 36 hours
15:16
Lawrence Ostlere
Ruben Amorim will be announced as Manchester United’s new manager either today or tomorrow, with talks between United’s hierarchy and Sporting CP completed.
Sky Sports reported this morning that the announcement would be made today, though it has since rowed back on that timeline. Amorim himself said that he would discuss the issue in public for the first time after tomorrow’s game against Estrela.
Either way, there is not long to wait until the Portuguese is confirmed as the man to succeed Erik ten Hag.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s debut outing proves Manchester United were right to dismiss Erik ten Hag
15:00
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.
Diogo Dalot reacts to Ten Hag sacking
14:36
Mike Jones
Diogo Dalot spoke to Sky Sports after yesterday’s win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup and gave an insight into the dressing room following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday.
“Yes it is [sad], we felt it.” he said, “The day after was a really sad day for us, for everybody. He was a man that breathes football 100%. This is what he loves the most but it’s part of football.
“Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
“We wish him all the best and thank him for everything he did for us. Personally, he helped a lot. He helped him to break through at this club, he gave me all the confidence that I needed to show that I deserved to play for this club and overall we win two trophies together. We keep good memories.”
Dalot was also asked his thoughts on United’s potential new manager Ruben Amorim and he added: “Obviously he’s a good manager. We don’t know if he’s coming or not. We see the rumours like everybody sees it but we just focus on what we have here, doing on job then what the future brings we will be ready.”
Amorim on impact the rumours have on his player
14:26
Mike Jones
The Sporting CP boss said: “I know my players and I’m honest with you when I say that they weren’t normal. I realised they were nervous and anxious about the news, with a series of tough games coming up.
“They know me so well. I’ve proved that I’ll defend them until the last minute. But there are things I can’t control. There are things we can’t control. The clubs are negotiating, it’s not the coach’s decision.”
Van Nistelrooy on importance of playing for Man Utd
14:16
Mike Jones
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s win over Leicester City, Manchester United’s interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports: “It’s been a hectic day, especially yesterday when the players came in after Erik had gone.
“We had to stabilise and go out for training, get back to work and bring them in today for a team talk about our opponents and especially ourselves.
“What it’s about to play at Old Trafford in front of these wonderful fans, who always support us. We want to give them a great night of football with possession and lots of attacks.
“That is what Manchester United is about, I tried to share that with the players and get them ready for game.”
It seems his team talk worked as United scored five past the Foxes with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both scoring twice as they helped their side into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Will Van Nistelrooy have similar words of wisdom ahead of the weekend’s clash with Chelsea?
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
