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Topics: Manchester United, Sporting CP, Premier League, Ruben Amorim
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Manchester United, Sporting CP, Premier League, Ruben Amorim
Sporting CP have reached a full agreement with Manchester United to allow Ruben Amorim to leave and become the next head coach at Old Trafford.
Earlier this week, United informed Sporting of their intention to activate Amorim's release clause of around €10 million [£8.3m] after he verbally agreed to succeed Erik ten Hag. who was sacked following Sunday's 2-1 defeat to West Ham.
For the time being, Ruud van Nistelrooy will be interim manager for upcoming games against Chelsea, POAK and Leicester City, with Amorim set to take charge of his first United game in their Premier League clash against Ipswich Town on November 24.
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The 39-year-old is therefore set to stay with Sporting for their next three games against Estrela Amadora, Manchester City and Braga.
Initially, reports had claimed that the Portuguese coach could be appointed United manager in time for Sunday's game with Chelsea but Sporting were 'determined' to keep hold of Amorim for the above games, according to The Athletic.
United are said to have accepted those terms 'in recognition of his standing at the Portuguese club' and 'his desire for a smooth exit mid-campaign.'
It has also emerged that United are willing to pay an extra €1 million to secure Amorim's signature so he can start work during the international break.
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Amorim is keen to leave on good terms. After Sporting's 3-1 win over Nacional on Tuesday night, he mentioned the Primeira Liga side as he broke his silence on the United links.
“I was expecting that question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment, so it’s not worth it," he said. "I won’t comment. I’m very proud to be the coach of Sporting, that’s all.”
In terms of his backroom staff, Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido and Jorge Vital are expected to join Amorin at Old Trafford alongside Emanuel Ferro and sports scientist Paulo Barreira.
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Van Nistelrooy, meanwhile, has expressed his desire to work under the next manager.
"I came here as an assistant to help the club," he said after Wednesday's win over Leicester City. "Now in this role, I’m helping as long as needed. In the future in any capacity, I’m here to help the club further to build towards the future that’s what I'm here for.”