Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has virtually confirmed that he will announce his departure from the club imminently, amid reports that Manchester United have agreed to make him their new manager.
Reports early on Thursday morning stated that Man United had come to an agreement with Sporting, and had sorted personal terms with the 39-year-old, ahead of him joining up during the November international break.
That is because it is believed that a 30-day notice period will be required before Amorim can depart for Old Trafford, but it appears as though the public announcement will come much sooner.
The Portuguese boss is set to replace Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday following just over two years in the hot seat with the Red Devils, after a 2-1 defeat at West Ham United last weekend.
Speaking to the press ahead of Sporting’s Primeira Liga fixture with Estrela on Friday night, Amorim was understandably quizzed on the reports about moving to Manchester United.
The young manager all but confirmed that he will be moving to the English giants, stating: “I will clarify everything after the match with Estrela tomorrow.
“I am sure I will leave on good terms, there has been no breakdown in relationship with the board and players, we are all adults here.” Amorim continued.
“There are times in our professional lives, just like you journalists, when we think things are going well, but we feel we need something different, a new challenge,” Amorim admitted to the press.
Amorim confirmed that Sporting remains his priority for the time being though, and anything Man United-related is yet to enter his work, revealing “Did I watch Manchester United’s game last night? No, I was watching Estrela’s last game.”
The Sporting manager also gave his best wishes to Joao Pereira, the former right-back who is currently in charge of the B team, and the man set to replace Amorim at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
“Joao Pereira is ready for a step up in his career, he is a player who has played for big clubs with a strong personality.” Amorim claimed.
Amorim is set to leave Sporting with the club top of the Primeira Liga, and if he can guide them to another victory on home soil tomorrow night against a side in the relegation zone, that will leave them top of the table with 10 wins from 10.
The outgoing coach is set to take charge of two more fixtures after Friday’s outing, one against Man United’s rivals Manchester City in the Champions League, and away to Braga in their final fixture before the international break.
