Sporting confirmed on Tuesday that they have received an approach from Manchester United for their manager Ruben Amorim.
The 39-year-old Portuguese has quickly emerged as United's No 1 choice to replace Erik ten Hag as manager after the Dutchman was sacked on Monday following their defeat against West Ham United at the weekend.
In a statement to Portugal’s financial regulator, the CMVM, Lisbon club Sporting gave notice to investors of the approach from United and signaled an expectation that a deal is likely to be completed.
“Manchester United have expressed their interest in recruiting coach Ruben Amorim and have said they are ready to pay the €10 million release clause,” the statement said.
Sporting are due to face Nacional in the Portuguese League Cup, the Taca da Liga, on Tuesday night – a match now expected to be Amorim’s last in charge.
Ten Hag paid the price for United's poor start to the season, with Sunday's injury-time defeat at the London Stadium proving his final game in charge of the Red Devils.
That loss left United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and with just a solitary win in their last eight games across competitions.
BBC Sport and Sky Sports both reported that United approached Sporting over Amorim's availability hours after Ten Hag's sacking on Monday. United are yet to comment on the nature of the talks or how advanced they are.
Amorim, 39, is one of Europe's most sought-after coaches after reviving the fortunes of the Lisbon club in recent years, winning two Portuguese titles and two League Cups with Sporting since joining the club in March 2020. They are currently top of the Primeira Liga, three points ahead of Porto.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday ahead of Wednesday's match against Nacional, Portuguese Amorim said he was expecting a question about the United job but was not prepared to talk about it.
Other names that had been touted for the role included former Barcelona boss Xavi and ex-England manager Gareth Southgate.
Speculation over Ten Hag's future had regained intensity in recent weeks after the 54-year-old Dutchman remained in the role at the end of last season.
A club statement shortly before noon read: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
Ten Hag at Man United – in pictures
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Erik ten Hag during his final game as Manchester United manager - a 2-1 defeat at West Ham United on October 26, 2024. EPA -
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag alonside his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will take over as interim head coach. Reuters -
Erik ten Hag with then Manchester United director of football John Murtough after his unveiling at Old Trafford on May 23, 2022. PA -
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag lifts the trophy after winning the League Cup final. PA -
Erik ten Hag after Manchester United had been knocked out of the League Cup by Newcastle United at Old Trafford on November 1, 2023. AFP -
Manager Erik ten Hag with coaches Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag at Carrington Training Ground on July 4, 2022. Getty Images -
Manager Erik ten Hag speaks to Cristiano Ronaldo during a training session on September 14, 2022. PA -
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaks to Tyrell Malacia during a Premier League match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on October 2, 2022. AFP -
United manager Erik ten Hag talks to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo during the Premier League match against Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on August 27, 2022. AFP -
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag kisses the trophy after their FA Cup final win over Manchester City at Wembley stadium on May 25, 2024. AFP -
(Left to right) Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez celebrates with manager Erik ten Hag and Antony following the League Cup final win over Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2023. PA -
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag with Bruno Fernandes after winning the FA Cup final. AP -
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during their Europa League draw with Fenerbahce in Istanbul on October 24, 2024. Reuters -
United manager Erik ten Hag after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final. AFP -
Erik ten Hag during his final game as manager of Manchester United, away to West Ham United at London Stadium on October 27, 2024. Getty Images
“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy has been put in interim charge ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie at home to Leicester City.
Ten Hag survived a summer review at United, buoyed by having beaten Manchester City to lift the FA Cup in May, with the club even triggering a contract extension. But after only three wins from nine league games, the club have swiftly had a rethink.
United indicated it was a unanimous and collective decision, albeit a difficult one to take.
The club had wanted to give Ten Hag the chance to work within a new sporting structure set up over the summer, but results and performances have forced their hand.
It is understood the club’s hierarchy had not seen enough progress in Ten Hag’s side to believe they were on the right path to challenge again for the Premier League title.
After replacing interim manager Ralf Rangnick, Ten Hag ended the club’s six-year wait for a major trophy in his first season when his side beat Newcastle in the League Cup final.
The former Ajax boss also led United to a third-placed top-flight finish, but his second season saw United knocked out of the Champions League group phase before finishing eighth in the Premier League.
