Ruben Amorim breaks silence on Man United negotiations after potential ‘farewell game’ with Sporting

Ruben Amorim has spoken out for the first time since he engaged in negotiations with Manchester United over their managerial vacancy.

Talks are ongoing between all parties as of Tuesday night, with the latest developments confirming that the Red Devils intend to pay Amorim’s £8.3 million release clause in order to buy him out of his 2026 contract with Sporting Lisbon.

However, it has also been revealed today that the manager may have to complete a notice period with his current club, which is expected to be a matter of ‘weeks rather than days’. 

If United are unable to agree to an early termination with Sporting, it would mean that Amorim is unlikely to take charge of a game until after the mid-November international break – presumably, the trip to face Ipswich Town, managed by former Reds coach Kieran McKenna, on the 24th. 

Nonetheless, all signs are pointing toward the 39-year-old succeeding Erik ten Hag. The club look almost certain that they’ll get their man eventually, whether that be now or towards the end of the month.

Amorim remains tight-lipped when bombarded with United questions post-match

In the league this season, Amorim has enjoyed a scintillating start. Sporting sit atop the table after nine matches played, having won all nine. In that time, they’ve scored a remarkable 30 goals while conceding only two. 

He oversaw what some fans are anticipating will be his final game in the Jose Alvalade Stadium dugout tonight in a Portuguese League Cup tie against Nacional. Goals from United-linked Morten Hjulmand and prolific frontman Viktor Gyokeres sealed a 3-1 quarter-final victory.

Post-match, Amorim, as you’d expect, was instantaneously pressed by reporters over his links with United, and he – unsurprisingly – remained tight-lipped on the matter.

“Nothing is decided yet… I don’t know if it’s the farewell game or not,” he began, as relayed by journalist Nathan Salt. “I have nothing more to say. We are analysing the game, and anything I say will only create more noise. There is nothing concrete.

“I don’t want to fuel this issue. There is the club’s statement to the CMVM. Apart from that, we don’t know the details yet, we’ll see. I have always taken responsibility for my decisions, and I will be here to do so, but when I am sure of things, it will be easier.”

He added: “Manchester United is interested. But it’s my choice. Until everything is decided, we won’t be making any noise. I have nothing useful to say. I will take on whatever I want to do, as I have always done.”