Rúben Amorim, Sporting Lisbon’s current manager and the man widely expected to take over Manchester United, is likely to remain with Sporting until the international break in mid-November. Despite reports suggesting a deal is “done” after Erik ten Hag’s departure, confusion persists as United and Sporting officials have yet to confirm an agreement.
Sporting insists that no official deal has been finalized, though Manchester United board member Sir Dave Brailsford fueled speculation by telling fans “it’s done” before Wednesday’s EFL Cup victory against Leicester City. Sources in Portugal support Brailsford’s statement, yet Sporting holds firm that talks remain ongoing.
The key focus of the negotiations involves Amorim’s release timeline. Sporting wants the 39-year-old coach to stay through crucial matches, including a Champions League fixture against Manchester City on Tuesday and a league match against Braga on November 10, his former club, before the break for Nations League matches.
Financial regulations also mean Sporting would need to formally confirm Amorim’s departure to the Lisbon Stock Exchange once finalized. Amorim is scheduled to address the media on Thursday ahead of Sporting’s Friday match against Estrela, while Ruud van Nistelrooy, United’s interim manager, will hold his first news conference shortly after.
Following United’s recent 5-2 win over Leicester, van Nistelrooy expressed willingness to help in “any capacity,” a potential indicator of a collaborative period until Amorim’s possible arrival.
Manchester United has critical matches ahead, including league games against Chelsea and Leicester, along with a Europa League face-off against Greek side PAOK. If the deal proceeds, Amorim’s first game at Old Trafford could be the Europa League clash against Norway’s Bodø/Glimt on November 28, followed by a Premier League match with Everton.
