Man United hope to sign Rúben Amorim for Chelsea game – sources

Manchester United are hoping to finalize a deal with Rúben Amorim to become their new manager in time for the Sporting CP coach to take charge of Sunday's Premier League clash against Chelsea, sources told ESPN.

Amorim, 39, has been identified by the United hierarchy as the number one candidate to replace Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday after two-and-a-half years as manager following a 2-1 defeat at West Ham, which landed the team in 14th place on the table.

And with United prepared to pay the €10 million release clause in Amorim's contract with Portuguese champions Sporting, sources say an agreement could be reached before the weekend game against Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Sporting play against Nacional in the Taca da Liga quarterfinals at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday evening. Reports from Portugal say Sporting expect a United delegation to be in Lisbon after the game to speed up negotiations.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was hired as Ten Hag's assistant coach in the summer, has been appointed interim coach by United until a permanent appointment is made and the former United and Real Madrid striker will take charge of the Carabao Cup match against Leicester City on Wednesday at Old Trafford.

However, it is likely that the game against Leicester will be Van Nistelrooy's only game in charge if talks with Sporting and Amorim continue to progress apace.

Amorim has led Sporting to two league titles since joining the club from Braga in 2020. Before Amorim's appointment, Sporting had to wait 19 years to end their title drought.

The former Portuguese midfielder was considered by Liverpool, Barcelona, ​​Bayern Munich and West Ham for their vacant managerial positions last season before committing his future to Sporting at the end of last season.

However, according to reports from Portugal, Sporting are now preparing for Amorim's departure this week with João Pereira, coach of the club's B team, taking over for the remainder of the season.

Amorim was praised by Man United captain Bruno Fernandes for his work at Sporting.

“Since coach Amorim came to Sporting, they have become one of the teams that play better and most consistent football. I think the signings were right and they are at a very good moment. They won last year and took the lead this season.” “It's a very well-prepared team,” he said at a press conference with Portugal earlier this month.

“Regarding Mr Amorim, I have spoken about him several times and said that he is well prepared at this moment because it is not easy to win titles at Sporting. Sporting hadn't won any trophies for 20 years. Mr. Amorim came and won two and.” This proves that his work was good.

“Whether he will be able to do the same in England, Spain or elsewhere? We’ll never know until he gets there, but I’m sure Mr. Amorim’s qualities are there in everyone’s eyes.”