Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has reportedly agreed in principle to become Manchester United’s new head coach. The 39-year-old has emerged as a leading contender to succeed Erik ten Hag, who was sacked by the Red Devils on Monday after two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford.
The decision to sack Ten Hag, who signed a two-year contract extension in the summer, has been described as ‘difficult and finely balanced’ by Man United’s hierarchy, who have opted for a change in the dugout following the club’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham United in the Premier League last weekend.
Ten Hag departs having won just four of his 14 games in charge of Man United across all competitions this season, leaving the Red Devils languishing 14th in the Premier League table and 21st in the 36-team Europa League standings. Ruud van Nistelrooy has been placed in interim charge “while a permanent head coach is recruited” by Man United.
Amorim has been identified as Man United’s number one target to replace Ten Hag and negotiations between the Red Devils and Sporting are said to be ongoing.
In recent weeks he has been suggested as a future Manchester City manager with Sporting’s Hugo Viana, a close friend, due to move to the blue half of Manchester as the club’s new director of football next season.
See also: Erik ten Hag sacked by Manchester United following 2:1 defeat to West Ham
