Manchester United are now in the process of finalising the ‘imminent’ arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Credit where credit’s due, INEOS have been incredibly proactive in getting their desired man – albeit four months too late due to their decision to stick with Erik ten Hag over the summer.
Nonetheless, talks are at an advanced stage between the Red Devils and Sporting Lisbon, with Amorim having already given his green light to the move. Still contractually obliged to the Portuguese outfit until 2026, United must determine the most effective way to buy him out of his terms – the expectation being that they activate his £8.3 million release clause.
The issue with Amorim’s prospective arrival, though, is that he may have to see out a notice period – believed to be ‘weeks rather than days’ – with Sporting. As a result, he won’t be able to take to the dugout until after the mid-November international break when the Reds travel to face Premier League newbies Ipswich Town on the 24th.
Ruud van Nistelrooy to leave United only months after joining
(Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has taken the reins on an interim basis since his compatriot’s departure, could, in turn, have to manage a handful of fixtures until Amorim is cleared to move to England.
The formers striker is certain to take charge of tomorrow’s fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City and will presumably do the same when United host Chelsea on Sunday. Then, he’s poised to face PAOK in the Europa League and the Foxes again, this time in the top flight, before players jet off for international duty.
It’s been made clear to Van Nistelrooy that a situation akin to Ole Gunnar Solskaer’s, where he impressed during his interim spell and saw his tenure extended to a permanent job, will not be happening again. In turn, the Dutchman ‘expects to leave once a new head coach is employed’, per The Telegraph.