Why Manchester United made Ruben Amorim top target to become new manager

Manchester United are in talks to appoint Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as their new head coach.

It is understood the 39-year-old would be open to taking the position at Old Trafford after he was identified as the top candidate for the role following Erik ten Hag's dismissal earlier in the day.

ManchesterWorld revealed on Monday morning Amorim was a strong contender to take charge at United, with sources saying the Portuguese ticked more boxes on Ineos’ checklist than any of the possible candidates. His age, ability to work within a club hierarchy and recent track record are seen as attractive qualities for United, as is his reputation for nurturing youth talent.

It’s understood United are expected a pay a fee in the region of €10 million to prise Amorim from the Portuguese capital.

Despite the recent developments, interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to take charge when United face Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Sporting have won the Primeira Liga title twice under Amorim’s management, while he has also won the Portuguese League Cup three times, twice with Sporting and once with Braga. He was considered by Liverpool before they chose Arne Slot to replace Jurgen Klopp, with a feeling at Anfield that the Dutchman would make for a more natural transition.

Earlier in the day, Amorim refused to comment on the speculation linking him with the Old Trafford vacancy. “I was expecting that question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future because otherwise I’ll always have to comment,” he said. “So it’s not worth it, I won’t comment. I’m very proud to be the coach of Sporting, that’s all.”

The news comes as Sporting prepare to lose another key figure to Manchester, with sporting director Hugo Viana set to take over from Txiki Begiristain next summer at the Etihad.