LISBON, Portugal, October 30 – Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has stated that he has yet to make a decision regarding his future after Manchester United showed interest in hiring him.
Earlier on Tuesday, Sporting confirmed that United had approached them and expressed willingness to pay Amorim’s release clause of 10 million euros (£8.3 million).
Following his team’s 3-1 victory over Nacional in the Portuguese League Cup quarter-finals, Amorim told Sport TV, “Nothing has been decided yet. I don’t know if this is my farewell game or not.”
In a subsequent press conference, he elaborated, “There is interest from Manchester United, and there is a contract term payment involved. When I have something more concrete, I will come here and share my decision, as it will ultimately be my choice. Until everything is settled on either side, I can’t say much more.”
Amorim confirmed that he will participate in training on Wednesday to prepare for the upcoming league match against Estrela da Amadora on Friday.
When asked if he would be on the sidelines at Old Trafford for Manchester United’s match against Chelsea on Sunday, he replied, “I will be here.” However, when pressed further, he added, “I don’t know.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Amorim, saying United would be acquiring a top-notch coach.
“I can only speak from my experience playing against Ruben’s Sporting Lisbon team a couple of seasons ago, where the pressure was incredibly high,” Guardiola stated during a press conference. “This season, they are unbeaten, winning all their matches in the Portuguese League and the Champions League, and they are on par with us in points. He is a high-level manager. What will happen next, I can’t predict, as my experiences may not apply to others. There are many factors involved: the manager, the team, the club, the staff, and the players.”
Sporting fans express concern about potential departure
Outside the stadium before the Nacional match, Sporting fans shared their feelings about Amorim’s potential exit, with many expressing concern over the decision to move to United.
One fan, Ruben, remarked, “I hope he doesn’t leave. I am a bit upset because we need him. I don’t think United is the right place for him right now, but we’ll see what happens.”
Another fan, Eric, added, “Leaving mid-season is tough. It’s for a club with a rich history, but the timing is unfortunate. I’ve never seen a coach like him in my life.”
Andre expressed confusion rather than anger, saying, “I don’t understand why he would go to United now. They say the United train only stops once. But if he stays and wins another championship, better opportunities will come. United doesn’t seem like the right fit right now.”
Diogo noted, “It’s difficult to lose him mid-season, but he must follow his own career path. We are thankful for everything he’s done. The next coach will also do a great job. Ruben is an excellent coach and will succeed at United.”