Man Utd attempt to seal Amorim deal

Sporting Head Coach Ruben Amorim prior to the match between Sporting CP and CD Nacional at Estadio Jose AlvaladeImage source, Getty Images
  • Published

Manchester United officials will now try to sort the details around Ruben Amorim's switch to Old Trafford from Sporting.

Sporting have confirmed United are willing to pay Amorim's €10m (£8.3m) release clause but there is also his backroom staff and a potential issue over how long the 39-year-old has to spend on 'gardening leave' before he can start another job.

These are the issues which underline why Amorim was so evasive when he spoke to the media after last night's victory over Nacional.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is due to be in charge for Wednesday's EFL Cup tie with Leicester but beyond that, the situation - for United, Sporting and Amorim - is uncertain.

Sporting play Estrela on Friday (which probably means another pre-match press conference on Thursday if Amorim is still in charge), while United play Chelsea on Sunday (and a press conference ahead of that for Van Nistelrooy if needed).

Intriguingly, Sporting play Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.

City have ruled out any interest in appointing Amorim as Pep Guardiola's successor.