Manchester United in Talks with Ruben Amorim as New Manager
Manchester United are making way for a massive change after the recent sacking of Erik ten Hag, with Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim lined up to take charge at Old Trafford. However, supporters may have to wait until after the upcoming international break before the highly-rated Portuguese manager officially steps into his new role. Here's everything we know about the ongoing negotiations and what it means for United's future.
United after Ruben Amorim
The Red Devils have reportedly reached an advanced stage in negotiations with Sporting Lisbon to sign 39-year-old dynamic manager Ruben Amorim, who has used his tactical acumen numerous times this season. Interest in United and the signing of Amorim is real, not a rumour, but a matter of time. It is believed a compensation fee has been agreed upon at £10 million to release Amorim from Lisbon. Still, with the international break looming, Amorim might not turn up at Old Trafford until next month.
Van Nistelrooy's Short Stint in the Spotlight
Meanwhile, former United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy had assumed the mantle temporarily and immediately made a surprising difference as United thrashed Leicester City 5-2 in the Carabao Cup. This comprehensive victory against Premier League opposition marked yet another high watermark from Van Nistelrooy that Ten Hag had failed to attain.
Despite the big show, Van Nistelrooy has a supporting role, and publicly pledged to support the club in whatever capacity: "I came here as an assistant to help the club. In this position, I remain here the time needed to construct something for a brilliant future.
The Portuguese tactician has remained mum despite speculation of an impending deal to Manchester United, detailing commitment to Sporting Lisbon's forthcoming fixtures. Attention for now goes to Sporting's pending league encounter against Estrela da Amadora, a match he claims deserves his "total focus".
In the press conference that was held recently, Amorim wouldn't confirm the talks with United as he said:
I'll leave it until after the game. Talking now is just another destabilization for the squad."
Anyway, he did confirm active negotiations between United and Sporting, besides making insinuations that everything will be much clearer after Friday's game.
Sporting Lisbon's Concerns Over Amorim's Departure
Meanwhile, as the noise about Amorim's probable transfer to Old Trafford increases, his exit hasn't gone without popular backlash in Portugal. According to reports, Sporting Lisbon feels \"left in the lurch\" by the coach's decision to leave mid-season, especially given he might take as many as five key staff with him across to United.
Having Amorim at the helm for Sporting's league-leading effort this season in the Primeira Liga, frustrations can be understood coming from the club's camp. As negotiations proceed, though, an expected decision could be arrived at sooner rather than later and give clarity to both clubs, thereby allowing United to fully begin the process of embracing their new manager.
What's Next for Manchester United?
While all these talks go on and the results are awaited by the fans and the analysts, they look to the leadership team at Manchester United for a smooth transition. Till then, it is expected that Van Nistelrooy will continue with passion, and the coming of Amorim gives the supporters hope for a new era in the form of the team at Old Trafford.