Man United closer to appointing Ruben Amorim as manager

A deal is understood to be close

Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 31st Oct 2024

Manchester United are reportedly close to appointing Ruben Amorim as manager, just days after sacking Erik ten Hag.

But Amorim, 39, is expected to stay at his current club, Sporting Lisbon, until November's international break.

Ten Hag was sacked by the club on Monday following Sunday's defeat to West Ham, continuing 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 10million euros (£8.4m) release clause, sparking negotiations over his exit.

The PA news agency understands a deal is close to being announced, with reports saying a deal until 2027, with the option of a further season, has been agreed.

But Amorim's first match as United manager is not expected to come until the November 24 trip to promoted Ipswich.

The 39-year-old is preparing to lead Sporting in three more games, including Tuesday's Champions League clash with Manchester City - a club he has been linked to as Pep Guardiola ponders his future.

Ruud van Nistelrooy led United to a 5-2 win against Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and would remain as interim manager for United's three remaining games before the international break.

The Red Devils host Chelsea on Sunday in the Premier League, before playing PAOK in the Europa League and then welcoming Leicester to Old Trafford again.

Van Nistelrooy will preview the Chelsea match at a press conference on Thursday afternoon and has expressed a desire to be a part of Amorim's new coaching set-up.

The former striker is a fan favourite and the ex-PSV manager returned to Old Trafford in the summer as one of Ten Hag's assistants.

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