Manchester United is closing in on a significant managerial change, with Sporting Lisbon confirming they have received an official approach for head coach Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils are reportedly willing to activate Amorim’s release clause, marking a swift move to secure the 39-year-old as their top choice to replace Erik ten Hag, who was sacked following a dismal 2-1 defeat to West Ham that left United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.
In a statement to Portugal’s financial regulator, the CMVM, Sporting announced the interest from United and indicated that a deal is likely to materialize soon. “Manchester United FC has expressed an interest in hiring coach Ruben Amorim, with the Board of Directors of Sporting SAD referring to the terms and conditions set out in the employment contract, specifically the termination clause amounting to €10 million,” the statement read. “Manchester United FC has expressed an interest in paying Sporting SAD the amount of the aforementioned clause.”
Sporting Lisbon is set to face Nacional in the Taca da Liga on Tuesday, a match that is now expected to be Amorim’s final outing in charge of the club. Since joining Sporting in March 2020, Amorim has enjoyed considerable success, securing two Portuguese titles and two League Cups.
There has been speculation regarding Amorim as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, particularly given his connections with the club’s incoming director of football, Hugo Viana. However, those links have been dismissed as mere rumors by the Premier League champions.
Ten Hag’s departure came after a controversial defeat to West Ham, where Jarrod Bowen’s disputed late penalty proved pivotal. The Dutchman had faced growing scrutiny in recent weeks, especially after only securing three wins from nine league matches this season.
In a club statement, Manchester United announced, “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as interim manager ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Leicester. Ten Hag had previously survived a summer review, buoyed by his FA Cup victory, but the club’s management determined that recent performances did not justify continuing with him at the helm.
Having replaced interim manager Ralf Rangnick, Ten Hag ended the club’s six-year trophy drought in his first season by winning the Carabao Cup. He also guided United to a third-place finish in the league but faced setbacks in his second season, culminating in an early Champions League exit and an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.
As United prepares for a new chapter, all eyes will be on Ruben Amorim as he looks to reinvigorate a storied club in search of a return to glory.
