Ruben Amorim has verbally agreed to join Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon, talkSPORT understands.
Amorim is United’s top target after sacking Erik ten Hag and, as reported on Monday morning, the club are willing to pay compensation for his successor.
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Double Portuguese title winner Amorim has an £8.3million release clause in his contract.
talkSPORT understands members of the United hierarchy sounded out Amorim last week and are aiming to tie up the appointment swiftly.
Amorim is eyed as one of football’s best up and coming coaches and was previously linked with Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham.
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He has also recently emerged as a potential contender for the job at Manchester City as Pep Guardiola has entered the final year of his contract at the club.
However, United’s agreement with Amorim is a big indication that Guardiola could sign for another year at City.
Amorim, who was also a speculated name for West Ham in the summer, started his managerial career at Portuguese side Casa Pia in 2018.
He then went on to join Braga before making the switch to Sporting in 2020 and won Liga Portgual the following season.
Sporting were crowned champions again in the 2023/24 campaign, with two Taca da Liga titles also coming their way with Amorim.
The 39-year-old currently has the club sitting first in Liga Portugal so far this season thanks to a 100 per cent record from nine games.
They are also eighth in the Champions League league phase table with two wins and a draw from their opening three fixtures.
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United have parted ways with Ten Hag just months after his deal at the club was extended to 2026.
The Dutchman won the Carabao Cup in his first season and the FA Cup in his second but has now departed Old Trafford.
Amorim is not the only name to have been linked with the United vacancy, with Brentford’s Thomas Frank admired.
Eddie Howe of Newcastle used to work at the club with sporting director Dan Ashworth, who now operates in Manchester.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann is also of interest, and former Barcelona manager Xavi held talks regarding a move.
