Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has “verbally agreed” to become next Man United manager | OneFootball

Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly struck a verbal agreement with Manchester United to succeed Erik ten Hag.

On Monday morning, United released a statement confirming that Erik ten Hag has stepped down from his role at the club.

This came after United suffered a humiliating 2-1 loss to West Ham on Sunday.

In their statement, the Red Devils pointed out that Ruud van Nistelrooy will take over on an interim basis while the football hierarchy goes about finding a more permanent alternative.

Some of the names mentioned to be in the running for the Old Trafford job include Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Frank, Xavi Hernandez, Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and of course, Amorim.

A report covered by The Peoples Person earlier this month relayed that United made specific enquiries over Amorim’s availability.

In fact, a few hours ago, the Lisbon gaffer was asked about the speculation surrounding his potential switch to Old Trafford. He refused to be drawn into commenting on the rumours, simply stating that he was happy at the Liga Portugal outfit.

The Athletic have now given a big update on the situation and indicated that United have chosen Amorim as the ideal Ten Hag replacement and are already making efforts to secure his services.

The newspaper reveals, “Manchester United are working on a deal to appoint Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim as their new head coach.”

“Sources in Portugal, speaking anonymously as they’re not authorised to discuss the matter, have told The Athletic the 39-year-old is open to taking up the opportunity after Erik ten Hag was sacked earlier on Monday.”

“United are ready to pay the €10million (£8.3m) release clause in his contract with the two clubs in talks to finalise a deal that could see Ruud van Nistelrooy take interim charge before Amorim’s arrival.”

Reliable football journalist Ben Jacobs has gone a step further and divulged that Amorim “has verbally agreed” to become the next United manager.

Jacobs states that sources in Portugal insist that Amorim has already said yes to the 20-time English champions.

Under Amorim, Sporting have won two league titles – in 2021 and last season. He currently has the Lions in first position in Liga Portugal, six points clear of Porto in second place.

The highly-rated 39-year-old was a top contender for the Liverpool and West Ham jobs a few months ago but needless to say, none of those moves materialised.

Liverpool went with Arne Slot while the Hammers hired Julen Lopetegui.