Sporting Manager Amorim Undecided on Manchester United Interest

Sporting manager Ruben Amorim has stated he has not yet made a decision regarding his future, following Manchester United’s expressed interest in appointing him as their manager. Amorim commented, “‘It’s my decision'”. Sporting had previously confirmed on Tuesday that Manchester United had initiated contact and were prepared to pay Amorim’s 10m euros (£8.3m) release clause. Following his team’s 3-1 victory over Nacional in the Portuguese League Cup quarter-final on Tuesday evening, Amorim told Sport TV: “Nothing is decided yet. I don’t know if it’s the farewell game or not.” During a subsequent news conference, he further commented: “There is interest from Manchester United, there is the payment of a contract term and when I have something more solid, I will come here and tell my position, because it will be my choice.” He added, “While I don’t have everything decided, for one side or the other, I can’t tell much more”. Amorim also stated his intention to attend training on Wednesday in preparation for Friday’s league match against Estrela da Amadora. When questioned about his potential presence in the dugout at Old Trafford for Manchester United’s upcoming game against Chelsea on Sunday, Amorim responded: “I will be here.” However, when pressed further, he added: “I don’t know.” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola commented that Manchester United would acquire a high-caliber coach in Amorim. Guardiola stated during a news conference: “All I can talk about is the experience of playing twice against Ruben’s Sporting Lisbon team, one or two seasons ago, and the pressure was really, really good.” He continued: “And look this season, he is unbeaten and winning all the games in the Portuguese League and the Champions League, [they have] the same points as us. So a high manager.” Guardiola concluded: “What’s going to happen I don’t know, because what happened here in my experience, doesn’t mean it works for the other ones. The manager, the team, the club, the structures, the physios, the doctors, the players, it’s many things”. The question of why a manager would choose to join Manchester United has been raised. Sporting supporters have also voiced their opinions regarding Manchester United’s interest in their manager, Amorim. Sporting fans interviewed by BBC Sport outside the stadium prior to the Nacional match expressed sadness over Amorim’s potential departure, with some expressing doubts about a move to Old Trafford. Ruben commented: “I hope he doesn’t leave. I am a little upset because we need him. I don’t think United is the right place for him right now but let’s see what happens”. Eric stated: “Leaving in the middle of the season is very bad. It is for a club in one of the major leagues with a good history, but the timing is just sad. I have never seen a coach like him in my life”. Andre remarked: “I feel more confused than angry, I don’t know why he would go to United now. They say the United train only stops once. But if he stays here and wins another championship, he will get better trains. United don’t feel like the one right now”. Diogo shared his view: “It is hard to lose him mid-season but he has to make his own career path. We are grateful for everything he did. The next coach, whoever it is, will do a great job as well. Ruben is a great coach and will do fine at United”.