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      Man Utd ‘face further chaos and could be forced to wait WEEKS before Ruben Amorim takes charge’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED may have to wait a number of weeks before Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim takes charge as their new manager, reports claim.Sporting all but confirmed United will poach Amorim after announcing the Premier League giants are willing to pay his £8.3m release clause.Manchester United may have to wait ‘a number of weeks’ to sign Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben AmorimCredit: PATalks between Man Utd and Sporting have reportedly hit a snag regarding Amorim’s notice periodCredit: APThe Lisbon giants did not confirm whether they had accepted the Red Devils’ advances in a letter to the Portuguese stock exchange but reports suggested it’s only a matter of time until a deal is finalised.According to The Mail, however, talks have hit a snag regarding the Portuguese tactician’s notice period, which will last several weeks.United are happy to meet the 39-year-old head coach’s clause but are currently negotiating when he can start.Amorim may now not be in the dugout when the Premier League giants host Chelsea on Sunday.Read More on Man UtdIn fact, the Sporting boss may not take charge until Man Utd visit Ipswich on November 24.Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in charge against Leicester in the Carabao Cup last 16 on Wednesday at Old Trafford.Van Nistelrooy may also be in the dugout for the game with Chelsea, the Europa League encounter at home against PAOK and the Premier League clash with the Foxes on November 10 at Old Trafford.Amorim may not assume his new position until after the international break, meaning club chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe may not get his man for another four weeks.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSporting issued the following statement: “Manchester United has expressed an interest in hiring coach Ruben Amorim, with the Board of Directors of Sporting SAD referring to the terms and conditions set out in the employment contract in force between the Company and the coach, specifically the respective termination clause and the amount of 10m Euros.”Manchester United has expressed an interest in paying Sporting SAD the amount of the aforementioned clause.”How ‘Mourinho 2.0’ Ruben Amorim can revive Man Utd after being overlooked by Liverpool in summerAmorim broke his silence on the likelihood of taking over at Old Trafford during a press conference on Monday.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd] and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”United sacked Erik ten Hag after the club’s worst ever start in the Premier League era.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      Sporting ‘to accept offers for Viktor Gyokeres £30MILLION below release clause with boss Ruben Amorim on way to Man Utd’

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      SPORTING LISBON will reportedly let star man Viktor Gyokeres leave for a cut-price fee next summer – with some of Europe’s biggest clubs ready to pounce.The 26-year-old has an £85million release clause in his contract, which expires in June 2028.Viktor Gyokeres could be sold for a cut-price fee next summerCredit: GettyIncoming Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim could attempt to lure him to Old TraffordCredit: PABut according to Sky Germany, that will be reduced at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.Gyokeres, who has scored 14 goals in as many games this season, will therefore be allowed to leave Sporting next summer for as little as £50m.Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are among the clubs tracking the sought-after striker.But Manchester United could also enter the race – especially if Sporting boss Ruben Amorim completes a move to Old Trafford.Read More on Man UtdAmorim has been tipped to replace Erik ten Hag following the Dutchman’s departure.United are set to pay his £8.3m exit clause, meaning he will be free to swap Lisbon for Manchester.A statement from Sporting on Tuesday afternoon read: “Manchester United has expressed an interest in hiring coach Ruben Amorim, with the Board of Directors of Sporting SAD referring to the terms and conditions set out in the employment contract in force between the Company and the coach, specifically the respective termination clause and the amount of 10m Euros.”Manchester United has expressed an interest in paying Sporting SAD the amount of the aforementioned clause.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRuud van Nistelrooy has been placed in charge as interim United boss ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie with Leicester.But if things go to plan, he could step aside in time for Chelsea’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.How ‘Mourinho 2.0’ Ruben Amorim can revive Man Utd after being overlooked by Liverpool in summerRuben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man Utd

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      WHEN a 35-year-old Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”.Sporting ended that 2019/20 campaign in fourth, 22 points off champions Porto with Amorim their third manager in seven months.Ruben Amorim joined Sporting Lisbon as boss at the age of just 35Credit: GettyAmorim worked an internship under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United in 2018Credit: GettyOptimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the Continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.After his early retirement as a player at the age of 32, Amorim would spend his time at the Faculty of Human Kinetics at University of Lisbon, listening to lectures held by Jose himself.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAmorim has won two Portuguese league titles at SportingCredit: GettyMourinho has spoken glowingly about AmorimCredit: RexOften nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.Amorim knew the great man more than most thanks to his brother-in-law Antero Henrique – a former Porto communications director who worked with Jose during his ‘Special One’ years at the Estadio do Dragao where he lifted the Champions League in 2004.Ruben Amorim confesses that there will never be another manager like Jose Mourinho Ironically, Henrique was also targeted by United as a sporting director before switching their attention to Dan Ashworth – a man who normally gets it right when it comes to recruiting managers.But Ashworth should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.Amorim is described as a “master trash-talker” in press conferences – a genius in getting his message across, creating a narrative while deflecting pressure away from his players.As one source told SunSport: “There is no one like him.”There is an admirable arrogance within him, backed up by his early success, including becoming one of the most expensive managers in history after his £8.65m move from Braga to Sporting.This summer, his agents were reluctant to ship out his CV to top clubs, insisting: “You don’t need one when you’ve won two titles.”He then demands the final say over footballing decisions when taking charge at a club.After retiring, he was offered a role with Benfica’s B team – having made 150 appearances for the club over seven years – but opted for Braga instead, where he would have more control.On his first day at Sporting, he showed the dressing room his preferred formation of 3-4-3 and told them they needed to fit into that system or risk not playing.Vasco Seabra, former head coach of Sporting’s rivals Estoril, said: “Amorim is always trying to improve his players.“He works with young talent but also with experienced players as well and what they all have in common is that they fight. They are really intense.“The players connect with him easily.”When in talks with both West Ham and Liverpool this calendar year, he requested a full revamp of the coaching staff, wanting to bring his huge eight-man team with him.His stubbornness over his back three has sometimes cost him jobs, with Anfield bosses unwilling to rip up their entire defensive unit to accommodate him.Amorim is not afraid to take on big egos and bad eggs, especially during his infamously tough training sessions at Sporting.During one session in April 2022, he sent ex-Leicester striker Islam Slimani home early for a lack of involvement and commitment.Three months later, Slimani was sold.But there is also a warm side to him, a humble side that Jose severely lacks.After flying to London to speak to West Ham back in April, he subsequently apologised to the fans.And unsurprisingly, he was welcomed back with open, loving arms, such is the relationship and trust he builds with his players.Vitor Campelos, head coach of Portuguese top-division side AVS, said: “He is the kind of coach who likes to bet on young players.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is no shock then that Manchester City had been teeing up Amorim to be Pep Guardiola’s natural replacement after Sporting’s director of football, Hugo Viana, was named as the successor to Txiki Begiristain at the Etihad.And for all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face that City have no answer for.’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.” More

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      Man Utd target Ruben Amorim outfoxed Arteta with amazing tactical display… but lost to Erik ten Hag twice

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      MANCHESTER UNITED managerial target Ruben Amorim already has experience of getting the better of some of the Premier League’s top managers.The Sporting Lisbon boss appears to be in pole position to replace Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot-seat, after the Dutchman was sacked on Monday.Ruben Amorim put on a tactical masterclass to knock Arsenal out of the Europa League in 2023Credit: AlamyMikel Arteta’s side were unable to get the better of SportingCredit: AFPAmorim may have never managed in the Premier League, but his tactics have already come up trumps against some of the division’s best managers.Most notably, his Sporting side saw off Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the Europa League last 16 in 2023.Sporting knocked the Gunners out of Europe with some intelligent tactics that pushed Arteta’s side to the limit and ultimately knocked them out on penalties.Amorim’s side managed a draw in both fixtures, a 2-2 game at home and a 1-1 effort at the Emirates.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd although they didn’t win in regulation time, it was Amorim’s tactics that impressed the most.Sporting played with a back three when in possession to throw numbers forward and allow Marcus Edwards time to shine.Before dropping into a back five when the Gunners attacked, stunting the efforts of Arsenal’s forward line by keeping their shape and stepping up towards the half-way line.And there was a familiar face pulling the strings and orchestrating the rotations in the middle of the park for Sporting in the second leg too – Man Utd’s summer arrival Manuel Ugarte.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim’s Sporting played a high line with five at the back when out of possessionCredit: UEFASporting opted for a back three when they had the ballCredit: UEFANew Man Utd man Manuel Ugarte helped pull the strings in the second legCredit: GettyUgarte, alongside Pedro Goncalves, continuously rotated in and out of position to drag Arsenal’s players out of place and create pockets to play into.However, Ugarte was sent off for two yellow card offences later in the game.Man Utd want Ruben AmorimBut it’s not just Arteta that Amorim has experience against with the 39-year-old taking on a number of other Premier League bosses.The gaffer found himself facing Oliver Glasner’s Eintracht Frankfurt side in the Champions League back in 2022 – winning one game 3-0 and losing the other 2-1.Glasner is now the Crystal Palace manager.While Amorim’s tactics against Pep Guardiola have also had mixed returns, earning a 0-0 draw with Man City in the Champions League round of 16 and also losing 5-0 in the other leg.Perhaps the most concerning thing about Amorim’s record against Premier League managers is his efforts when he took on Erik ten Hag.Going head to head with Ten Hag’s Ajax side in 2021 saw Amorim’s Sporting concede NINE GOALS in two games.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Portuguese side lost 5-1 and 4-2 to Ajax, against a team that featured now-Man Utd stars such as Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui.Amorim has also faced Tottenham during his time as Sporting manager, winning 2-0 and drawing 1-1 to a Spurs side managed by Antonio Conte.Erik ten Hag beat Amorim’s side twice as Ajax bossCredit: PAAmorim couldn’t beat Pep Guardiola’s Man CityCredit: AFPAmorim record vs Premier League managersHere’s a look at Amorim’s record against Premier League managers and clubs…MIKEL ARTETA – ARSENALSporting 2-2 ArsenalArsenal 1-1 Sporting (4-6 penalties)ERIK TEN HAG – AJAXSporting 1-5 AjaxAjax 4-2 SportingOLIVER GLASNER – EINTRACHT FRANKFURTE. Frankfurt 0-3 SportingSporting 1-2 E. FrankfurtPEP GUARDIOLA – MAN CITYSporting 0-5 Man CityMan City 0-0 SportingTOTTENHAM (managed by Antonio Conte)Sporting 2-0 TottenhamTottenham 1-1 Sporting’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.” More

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      Ruben Amorim’s hidden links to current Man Utd stars including former team-mate and one who got the better of him

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      RUBEN AMORIM was on the pitch as a player when TWO current Manchester United stars scored against him.While another star he could soon be managing at Old Trafford is a former team-mate.Ruben Amorim appears set to become Man Utd bossCredit: GettyIn his playing days, he came up against Man Utd four timesCredit: GettyAmorim was part of the Benfica team that drew twice with United in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPHe was on the pitch when Christian Eriksen scored for Spurs against BenficaCredit: GettyUnited finally axed Erik ten Hag on Monday after a woeful start to the season, with the Sporting Lisbon boss set to replace him.And they are said to already have a verbal agreement in place with Amorim, with the Red Devils set to trigger his £8.5million release clause.The 39-year-old is would to become the third youngest boss in the Premier League – only Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler, Southampton’s Russell Martin and Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna are younger.And, such is his age, Amorim has actually played both with, and against, some of the current Man Utd squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn fact, he spent FOUR years as Victor Lindelof’s team-mate at Benfica.But with the Swedish centre-back still a teenager, they were only actually on the pitch together three times.Amorim also played against the likes of Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham in the Europa League, before being forced to hang up his boots in 2017 due to a knee injury.Amorim played a key role in 2014, registering two assists at White Hart Lane as Benfica knocked Spurs out the last-16.Most read in FootballNow-United man Christian Eriksen score in the other leg.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim, who was a versatile midfielder or right-back, also faced Sir Alex Ferguson’s side four times back in his playing days.He was involved as Benfica drew 1-1 and 2-2 with United in the 2011 Champions League group stage.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham: Bruno Fernandes causes endless problems but Marcus Rashford entirely absentAnd at the same stage of the tournament the following year, Amorim was then at Braga and played in 3-2 and 3-1 defeats to the Red Devils.In their first encounter at Old Trafford, Jonny Evans was on the scoresheet from a corner.Amorim can also call ex-United stars Nemanja Matic and Angel Di Maria his old team-mates at club level.He earned 14 caps for Portugal and was therefore called-up alongside Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo.Amorim played with Victor Lindelof at BenficaCredit: Getty – Contributor’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.” More

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      Man Utd’s striker woes may be solved thanks to Amorim… but incoming boss’ Gyokeres comments may come back to bite him

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      SPORTING LISBON manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly in line to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.Ten Hag was sacked by the Red Devils on Monday following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham.Ruben Amorim has been linked with the Man Utd jobCredit: GettyAmorim could attempt to lure Viktor Gyokeres to Old Trafford – but his previous comments could come back to bite himCredit: PAAmorim has valued Gyokeres at £83mCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy subsequently took over as interim boss while United chiefs began the search for a permanent successor.But ex-Portugal international Amorim has already emerged as the club’s top target.And he is said to be keen to accept the job.Amorim’s potential move to Old Trafford could pave the way for a top striker to join United.Read More on Man UtdOnce settled in to his job, the 39-year-old could attempt to lure Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres to Manchester.The Sweden international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months.Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea have all expressed an interest in signing the former Coventry star.But Amorim’s presence could attract him to Old Trafford instead.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGyokeres enjoyed a prolific campaign with Sporting Lisbon last season, scoring 43 goals in 50 appearances.The 26-year-old has carried that impressive form over to this term with 14 goals in the same number of outings.Man Utd want Ruben Amorim’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”And, just last month, Amorim insisted Gyokeres is worth at least £83MILLION.He said: “Viktor is a great player, and I believe he is worth €100 million.”Particularly, Sporting, along with president Frederico Varandas and sporting director Hugo Viana, believes he is worth that amount.”Therefore, that is the price; anyone wanting to sign him will have to pay €100 million.”Having publicly put a huge price tag on the striker, it could be difficult for him to facilitate a transfer if he does become the next United boss.Since taking over in 2020, Amorim has won 170 of his 237 matches in charge of Sporting.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was questioned about his future during a press conference on Tuesday and explained: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd] and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would also have been a popular and gettable option – but England got in there first.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Man Utd ‘could get Ruben Amorim for just £8.5m thanks to THREE contract clauses’ after Erik ten Hag sacking

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will get Ruben Amorim out of his Sporting Lisbon contract for £16.5million less than other clubs would have to pay thanks to a shock clause, according to reports.The club decided to sack Erik ten Hag yesterday after a disastrous start to the season left them languishing in 14th in the Premier League table.Ruben Amorim has verbally agreed to join Man UtdCredit: GettyErik ten Hag was sacked just 14 games since his contract extensionCredit: AlamyRuud van Nistelrooy has landed the job on an interim basis – but the Red Devils are moving fast to appoint Amorim as their new boss.The 39-year-old has reportedly verbally agreed to join Man Utd and is already deep in talks.Amorim’s deal at Sporting expires in 2026 – yet reports state he was planning to quit at the end of this season.Newspaper A Bola claims he has three different release clauses in his contract.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnother Portuguese club would have to pay £25m for his services – while that figure drops to £17m for sides outside his homeland.But there is also supposedly a “sharks” agreement that makes it easier for Europe’s elite to afford him.The clause allows clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City and United to activate Amorim’s release for just £8.5m.That means Sir Jim Ratcliffe is getting his man for £16.5m less than the other clubs like Porto or Benfica have to pay.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd £8m less than West Ham would have had to fork out if their talks with the boss were successful in the summer.But with the price of sacking Ten Hag setting United back £15m, the cost of the managerial change will be a whopping £23.5m.’Something seriously wrong!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to huge Man Utd call which saw Erik Ten Hag sackedOn heading to Old Trafford, Amorim said last night: “I was already expecting this question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment. “I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”It has also been reported that United spoke with ex-Barcelona boss Xavi and considered both Brentford’s Thomas Frank and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter as options before choosing Amorim. More

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      Three ways Man Utd could line up under Ruben Amorim as Sporting boss reunites with former star and top Arsenal target

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      RUBEN AMORIM could ring the changes at Manchester United if he is hired for the top job.The Portuguese manager is hotly tipped to arrive at Old Trafford following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.Ruben Amorim could put his own stamp on the Man United teamCredit: GettyAmorim could be the replacement for the sacked Erik ten HagCredit: AlamyManuel Ugarte played for Amorim while at Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe Dutchman was finally put out of his misery after the disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium.Ten Hag was not expecting his time to come to an end as he still held the team’s press conference for the Carabao Cup clash against Leicester on Tuesday.Assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the side while a new manager is appointed.Amorim, 39, is the leading candidate to be offered the job by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and could be appointed quickly.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Sporting Lisbon manager will be familiar with Man United’s newest signing Manuel Ugarte.The midfielder starred for Amorim before he left the Portuguese outfit for Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.The Uruguayan would be expected to be given a leading role under the manager in the centre of midfield.The line-up could also drastically change at Old Trafford after a transfer window under Amorim.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan United have been heavily linked with both Sporting goal machine Viktor Gyokeres and defender Goncalo Inacio.Amorim could insist on the pair’s arrival at Old Trafford to add more quality to his side.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham: Bruno Fernandes causes endless problems but Marcus Rashford entirely absentViktor Gyokeres could be a top target for Amorim to bolster the frontlineCredit: ReutersGoncalo Inacio could be signed to reinforce the defenceCredit: ReutersBruno Fernandes could be used in a more advanced role under AmorimCredit: GettyInacio would command an immediate starting space in the backline and could take up a spot in the middle between Lisandro Martinez and Yoro.While Gyokeres would take up the striker role and replace the Red Devils’ misfiring pair of Hojlund and Zirkzee.The Swedish striker is amongst the most prolific in Europe, having netted 57 goals in 64 appearances for Sporting.He is already familiar with English football, having spent three seasons at Coventry City in the Championship.Man United would face competition to sign Gyokeres, with Arsenal also interested in the striker.Amorim favoured a 3-4-3 formation while at Sporting Lisbon which could suit the club’s current defensive options.Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both capable of playing as wing-backs to add width.The back three could be made up of Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro.However, this will only be possible once Yoro has returned to full fitness following his injury in pre-season.The £52million summer signing is closing on his return from a foot fracture and has been training on grass.Without a transfer window, Amorim would likely opt for Rasmus Hojlund to spearhead the attack as he has similar qualities to Gyokeres.Marcus Rashford could then flank the Danish striker on the left and Bruno Fernandes on the right.Another option for Amorim would be to replace Rashford with Garnacho on the left and Hojlund with Joshua Zirkzee.He could also tinker with the defence and put faith in Victor Lindelof.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim played alongside the Swede during his four seasons in the Benfica first-team.Long-term injury absentee Luke Shaw could bag the left wing-back spot.Victor Lindelof played alongside Amorim while he was at BenficaCredit: Getty – ContributorLeny Yoro is closing in on his return from a fractured footCredit: Getty More