Sir Dave Brailsford appears to drop major news in Manchester United’s pursuit of Ruben Amorim

United are locked in talks over the arrival of Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim

Lawrence Ostlere
Thursday 31 October 2024 08:27 GMT
Comments
Ruben Amorim speaks out about Manchester United move

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir Dave Brailsford has dropped a major hint that Ruben Amorim will be Manchester United’s next manager, appearing to tell fans outside Old Trafford that the deal was “done”.

United have been in talks with Sporting CP this week about prising the highly regarded manager away from the Portuguese champions, after sacking Erik ten Hag on Monday.

Sporting are holding out for a total compensation package that could top €15m as United seek to bring in two of Amorim’s assistants, Carlos Fernandes and Adelio Candido, as part of the deal.

Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge of the Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City on Wednesday night, and the interim manager oversaw a 5-2 win.

Before kick-off, Brailsford was greeted by fans outside Old Trafford, and video footage captured him the Ineos director of sport saying: “Yeah, it’s done.”

But Sporting denied that any agreement for the head coach’s departure has been reached in a statement to A Bola, adding that they have “not yet received any amount regarding the termination clause”.

Reports suggest the Portuguese champions want Amorim, who has a 30-day notice period, to oversee their final three matches before November’s international break – a period in which United host Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester.

Ruben Amorim was in the Sporting dugout on Tuesday night (Ana Brigida/AP)
Ruben Amorim was in the Sporting dugout on Tuesday night (Ana Brigida/AP) (AP)

Van Nistelrooy appears likely to at least take charge against the Blues on Sunday, even if official confirmation of Amorim’s appointment comes before the weekend.

The former striker will preview the Chelsea clash at Carrington on Thursday afternoon, with the quick turnaround from the Leicester win key in United’s decision for him to skip the post-match press conference.

Van Nistelrooy spoke after a night when Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes scored a brace apiece, with Alejandro Garnacho striking the other to set-up a quarter-final at Tottenham.

“Five goals but I have to say the chances against West Ham, Fenerbahce and Crystal Palace, we created so much more bigger chances and couldn’t finish,” he said. “All of a sudden we had some luck on our side and that made it a great night.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in