Manchester United are on the verge of appointing Ruben Amorim as their new head coach after the sacking of Erik ten Hag.
It was initially reported that the club agreed to pay the €10million (£8.3m/$10.8m) exit clause for Amorim, with the Portuguese manager already expressing his commitment to United’s proposal and vision, according to sources.
The Independent's Miguel Delaney then reported that the total fee for Amorim may rise to €20m (£16.6/$21.6m) as Sporting demand €5m for the transfer for his backroom staff and also extra money for early release from his contract.
United's decision to replace Ten Hag follows a challenging period for the Dutchman, whose tenure ended with the team sitting 14th in the Premier League after a 2-1 loss to West Ham. Ten Hag had signed a contract extension in July, but with just four wins in 14 matches, the club’s hierarchy deemed a change necessary.
Ten Hag had spent more than £600million ($780m) on transfers during his time at Manchester United. The club’s hierarchy described the decision to let him go as “difficult and finely balanced” and the dismissal is estimated to have cost United around £13.5 million ($17.5m).
🚨🔴 BREAKING: Manchester United are set to pay €10m exit clause for Rúben Amorim to become new manager, here we go!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 29, 2024
Sporting confirm formal communication received from #MUFC for Amorim to be appointed.
Amorim has already said yes to Man Utd proposal and project. pic.twitter.com/v17tR1oqlm
Ten Hag was reportedly earning an annual salary of approximately £6.75 million ($8.8m). The details of how much Amorim will earn as United boss have not yet emerged, but it's likely to be a similar figure.
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Who will be Sporting new manager after Amorim moves to Man United?
Sporting CP confirmed on Tuesday that they have received official communication from United about the move, and reports suggest they already have a successor lined up to take over from Ruben Amorim.
At 39, Amorim has built a strong reputation for his success in the Portuguese league and his dynamic coaching style, making him a sought-after candidate for the Red Devils.
He would not be drawn on commenting on the United job in a press conference following a 3-1 win over Nacional in the Portuguese Taca da Liga on Tuesday night, although he gave a few hints that his time with Sporting could be about to end.
Official Sporting statement pic.twitter.com/be9oJD7RRm
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) October 29, 2024
It seems like a matter of time before Amorim is officially confirmed as United's next manager, making him the club's sixth permanent boss since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
United have had Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick as interim managers in that period since 2013, too. And there's a latest name on the interim list.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who served as Ten Hag's assistant, is currently in situ as interim manager until Amorim's arrival. Sources close to Van Nistelrooy reportedly claim that he does not wish to take over permanently out of respect for Ten Hag, his fellow Dutchman.
With Amorim’s appointment, United fans hope for a fresh direction and an immediate improvement. As Amorim prepares to take the reins, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see if this bold move can revive United’s season.
