Manchester United was hoping to quickly announce Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s successor, but Sporting CP are set to make them wait to seal the deal.
Sporting are looking to ensure that proper protocol is followed as they prepare to lose their manager to Manchester United. The Premier League giants have agreed to pay Amorim’s €10 million (£8m/$11m) release clause, while the 39-year-old is also understood to have told his club he wants to move to Old Trafford. However, Sporting are looking to ‘defend their interests’ after being blindsided by Amorim’s departure, having previously expected their manager to remain at the club until the end of the season.
According to Sky Sports, Sporting are looking to ensure they do not ‘roll over’ for Man Utd, with some fans disappointed by the low release clause in Amorim’s contract. In addition to the €10m clause, Sporting are seeking an additional €5m to release three of Amorim’s coaches including Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido and Jorge Vital), and to allow him to join United immediately. Amorim is currently expected to serve the 30-day notice period in his contract and Sporting are not looking to budge without extra compensation, having been displeased by their coach’s desire to leave in the middle of the season.
United had hoped to have Amorim in place for their Premier League fixture against Chelsea this weekend, however, Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to be in the dugout now after being named interim boss following Ten Hag’s sacking this week. Amorim is now unlikely to be named the United’s new boss until the international break in the middle of November, although talks with Sporting will continue in the hope of reaching a compromise.