Ruben Amorim to provide updates on Man United manager role on Friday

LONDON - Ruben Amorim will address his future following Sporting Lisbon’s match on Nov 1, amidst increasing speculation that he is set to take over as the new manager of Manchester United.

United sacked Erik ten Hag on Oct 28 after a 2-1 defeat by West Ham left them languishing 14th in the Premier League, with just three wins from nine matches.

Amorim quickly emerged as the club’s top target and Sporting issued a statement to the Lisbon stock exchange confirming United were willing to meet his release clause of €10 million (S$14 million).

Reports on Oct 31 said the 39-year-old was expected to be confirmed as United’s new manager later in the day but they appear to have been premature.

Amorim was peppered with questions about his prospective switch at his press conference ahead of Friday’s home league game against Estrela, but he remained tight-lipped.

“It is a negotiation between two clubs,” he said on Oct 31.

“It’s never easy. Even with the clauses it’s never easy, they have to talk.

“We will have clarification after the game. It will be very clear, so it’s one more day. After the game tomorrow, we will have the decision made.”

Asked what he liked about the Premier League as he prepared to leave the press conference, he said with a smile: “Everything.”

Amorim smiled again when asked if he had watched United’s 5-2 win against Leicester in the League Cup on Oct 30.

The Sporting boss has reportedly agreed a deal until 2027, with the option of a further season. His first match in charge looks likely to be the Nov 24 trip to Ipswich.

The Athletic earlier on Oct 31 reported that United had reached an agreement with Sporting.

They said the coach would stay with the Portuguese champions for the next three games - the Nov 1 match against Estrela, next week’s Champions League clash against Manchester City and the trip to Sporting Braga next weekend.

Amorim has won two Portuguese titles with Sporting since joining the club in March 2020.

Seen as one of the rising stars on the European coaching scene, he was linked with the manager’s role at Liverpool once Jurgen Klopp announced he was leaving, but Dutch coach Arne Slot headed to Anfield instead.

Amorim held talks with West Ham this year before they appointed former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui to replace David Moyes.