Amorim Anticipates 'Clear' Decision by Friday Amid Manchester United Speculation

Ruben Amorim is expected to clarify his managerial future after Sporting Lisbon's game on Friday amid increasing speculation that he could be appointed as the new manager of Manchester United.

The Premier League club parted ways with Erik ten Hag on Monday following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham, leaving United in 14th place with just three wins from nine matches. Amorim has quickly become United's primary target, and Sporting Lisbon confirmed via a statement to the Lisbon stock exchange that the club is willing to activate his release clause of 10 million euros ($11 million).

Reports on Thursday suggested that the 39-year-old coach might be confirmed as Manchester United's new manager later that day, although those reports were deemed premature. At a press conference ahead of Sporting's home match against Estrela, Amorim faced numerous inquiries regarding his potential move but chose not to disclose any details.

"It is a negotiation between two clubs," he said on Thursday. "It's never easy. Even with the clauses it's never easy, they have to talk. We will have clarification after the game. It will be very clear, so it's one more day. After the game tomorrow, we will have the decision made."

When asked about his thoughts on the Premier League, he replied with a smile, "Everything." He also smiled when questioned about having watched United's 5-2 victory over Leicester in the League Cup on Wednesday.

Amorim is reported to have reached an agreement with United for a contract lasting until 2027, with an option for an additional year. His potential debut match could be the away game against Ipswich on November 24.

Earlier on Thursday, The Athletic reported that Manchester United had struck a deal with Sporting, with Amorim expected to remain in charge for the next three matches: Friday's league game against Estrela, a Champions League clash against Manchester City next week, and a match against Sporting Braga the following weekend.

Since taking over Sporting in March 2020, Amorim has led the club to two Portuguese titles. He has been recognized as one of the emerging talents in European coaching, previously linked to Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp announced his departure, though Arne Slot was ultimately appointed to that position. Amorim also engaged in discussions with West Ham earlier this year before they selected former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui as their manager.

Despite significant investment in new players, Ten Hag faced criticism for a lackluster start to the season, with United having won only one of their last eight matches prior to Wednesday's victory against Leicester. Ten Hag had secured both the League Cup and FA Cup during his tenure, but Manchester United has not claimed the Premier League title since Alex Ferguson's last season in 2013. Under Ferguson, United won the league 13 times, yet five permanent managers have since come and gone without adding to the club's 20 top-flight titles.

Currently, Ruud van Nistelrooy is serving as caretaker manager and oversaw the win against Leicester. He will also handle media responsibilities ahead of the upcoming Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday. The former United striker appears set to remain in his interim role for the next three games before the international break, and he will preview the Chelsea match in a press conference later Thursday, expressing his desire to be involved in the club's new coaching setup.