Rúben Amorim says no Man United deal yet as Sporting confirm interest

Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed that he has received interest from Manchester United after Erik Ten Hag’s sacking. The Portuguese manager has revealed he is yet to confirm the deal with the Old Trafford-based club.

Manchester United has agreed to pay Amorim’s €10 million ($10.79m) release clause. According to latest reports, United are determined to have Amorim on board before Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.

Speaking after his team’s 3-1 win against Nacional in the Taca da Liga on Tuesday night, Amorim said, “There was the club’s statement and it’s the only thing that exists at the moment. There is an interest from Manchester United. But it has to be my choice. Until everything is decided, we won’t be creating noise. I have nothing to say. I will take on whatever I want to do, as I always have.

“There is a club that is interested and has contacted the club and is willing to pay the release clause. That I cannot control. We will see what happens in the next few days. My focus tomorrow is to prepare for Friday’s game against Estreia Armadora.

“Nobody knows if it’s a farewell game, if there will be a farewell game, it’s something that hasn’t been decided yet, so let’s analyze the game. Once I have made a decision I will come out and explain my decision. But everything has to be defined.

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

Amorim has taken Sporting Lisbon to two league titles in the last four years since joining back in 2020. Earlier, United captain Bruno Fernandes had showered praise on his compatriot.

“Since coach Amorim arrived to Sporting they became one of the teams that play better and most consistent football. I think the signings have been right, and they are in a very good moment. They’ve won last year and this season have started leading in the standings. It’s a very well-prepared team,” he said at a news conference with Portugal earlier this month.

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

“Now, if he will be able to do the same in England or Spain or anywhere else? We’ll never know until he gets there but I’m sure that Mr. Amorim qualities are there in everyone’s eyes.”

Manchester United will take on Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.