Ruben Amorim
United are set to announce Amorim as their new head coach after reportedly reaching an agreement with Sporting CP last night. The Red Devils have agreed to pay the Portuguese manager’s £8.3 million release clause as he looks to take over the struggling side left behind by Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday after the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
While Liverpool ended up appointing the thriving Arne Slot, West Ham also decided against appointing Amorim as David Moyes’ successor. Amorim flew to London for talks with the Hammers in April—a decision he soon regretted as the two parties failed to reach an agreement, just weeks before Sporting won the Primeira Liga for the second time in three years under his management.
The former midfielder had previously managed two other Portuguese outfits, Casa Pia and Braga, but that’s where West Ham’s main reservations lay.It’s claimed that Hammers chiefs turned down Amorim due to his limited managerial experience in only one country, preferring a more seasoned head coach to succeed Moyes. With that in mind, the club’s hierarchy appointed former Wolves, Sevilla, Real Madrid, Spain, and Porto boss Julen Lopetegui. So far, Lopetegui has secured four wins from his 11 games at the helm, the most recent being a contentious 2-1 win over United on Sunday which marked the end for Ten Hag, leaving the Red Devils languishing in 14th place in the league standings.
Ruben Amorim said, “What is important to say is that it was obviously a mistake. It was misjudged. 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. 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.”
