Ruben Amorim becomes first Man Utd managerial candidate to speak out on Erik ten Hag sacking and vacant job

Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has spoken out after Erik ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United earlier today.

Ten Hag, 54, was relieved of his duties as United boss on Monday morning, with the club confirming the news in a statement.

As expected, several names, including Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Julien Nagelsmann have been linked with the now-vacant role, with Ruud van Nistelrooy stepping in to take charge of the side on an interim basis.

However, another name linked was Amorim. He was questioned about a potential move by journalists in a press conference on Monday afternoon.

“If your agent came to you and said you've got a meeting with Manchester United, what would you do? Get on the plane?” asked a journalist.

But Amorim batted off the question, initially laughing before replying: “I was already expecting this question, and obviously, I'm not going to talk about the future because otherwise, I'll always have to comment. I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”

However, prising the 39-year-old away from the Portuguese capital could prove difficult for United. The Lisbon-born manager is not keen on leaving the club mid-season, according to the Independent. The report also suggests that there is a buy-out clause of around €20m (£16.7m) for a foreign club.

Ruben Amorim was asked about the United job (Credit:Getty)

This is not the first time he has been linked with a Premier League job, with Liverpool and West Ham United previously being touted to bring him in off the back of his successes in Portugal – winning two Primeira Liga titles.

United captain Bruno Fernandes is thought to be a fan of his counterpart, which he elaborated on when speaking ahead of Portugal's Nations League clash against Poland earlier this month, he said: “Since Mr Amorim arrived at Sporting, it has been one of the teams to practice better football.

“They have been consistent, the signings have been right and they are in a very good moment. It's a very well-prepared team.

“In relation to Amorim, it shows at this moment he is prepared. Coaching Sporting and winning championships is not easy, Sporting went 20 years without winning championships and Amorim arrived and has already won two. This shows that the work has been done well."

He added: “If he could manage to do the same in England, Spain or anywhere else, you will never know until you get there, but I am sure his qualities are there for everyone to see.”

United currently sit 14th in the Premier League, meanwhile Amorim's side are top of the Portuguese top-flight boasting a perfect record of nine wins from nine games this season.