Amorim breaks silence on Manchester United move

Ruben Amorim has broken silence as Manchester United and Sporting remain in advanced negotiations for the Portuguese manager.

Sporting confirmed to the Portuguese stock exchange on Tuesday that United are willing to meet Amorim’s release clause after making him the number one choice to replace Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday.

Media flocked to Portugal for what could be the 39-year-old’s last game in charge as Sporting defeated Nacional 3-1 in the Portuguese League Cup quarter-final to probe Amorim on his potential move to Old Trafford.

But Amorim, on Tuesday, insisted that he remains focused “on wanting Sporting to become double winners of the league and cup. This doesn’t change. I have nothing new to say at this moment”.

“Nothing is decided yet. I don’t know if it’s the farewell game or not,” Sky Sports quoted him as telling broadcast media.

Speaking later at his press conference in Portuguese, Amorim said: “There was the club’s statement and that’s the only thing they have at the moment. There is interest from Manchester United, there is the payment of a clause and then, when I have something more concrete, I will tell you, because it is always my choice.

“When everything hasn’t been decided, one way or the other, there’s no point in talking much more, because otherwise we’ll create noise.

Man United to appoint Sporting’s Ruben Amorim as manager

“I’m not going to say anything properly, because I don’t have anything useful to say. Just saying that I will take on whatever I want to do, as I have always done throughout my time as a player and even as a coach. Regarding the game, it was a strange game, a strange environment.”

When asked simply, “do you want to leave” by a journalist, Amorim replied: “We haven’t got to that part. The club talks to another club, is talking to another club, and then you take the next step with the coach.

“And whether I want to go or not, I’ll say later. That’s the decision we’re talking about here. I won’t say.”

Asked if the decision now lies with him, Amorim said: “Yes, (the only thing left) is my decision. I will tell everything. We have to wait.”

Amorim was unable to give a definitive timeline over how long that would take.

Sources insist an announcement on United’s new permanent manager is not imminent, but if a compensation package can be agreed Amorim could be in the dugout at Old Trafford for Sunday’s home game with Chelsea.

A former Benfica and Portugal midfielder, Amorim retired as a player in 2017 and just two years later he took up his first managerial job at Braga.

He then joined Sporting in March 2020 where he has established himself as one of Europe’s most sought-after young coaches, twice guiding the club to the league title.

He has also won the Taca da Liga – the Portuguese League Cup – on three occasions, twice with Sporting and once with Braga.

The Star