Man Utd have exploited clever contract loophole to secure Ruben Amorim for €20m cheaper than his release clause

Manchester United have found a way to bring Sporting manager Ruben Amorim to the club for €20 million less than his release clause as they eye up Erik ten Hag's replacement.

Following the dismal 2-1 loss to West Ham, a statement from United On Monday afternoon confirmed that they had sacked Ten Hag after two years in charge.

Just hours after Ten Hag's dismissal was confirmed, rumours emerged that Sporting boss Amorim was the favourite to take over in the Old Trafford dugout.

And now, new reports have revealed that United can pay €20 million less than Amorim's release clause should they decide bring him to the club.

As revealed by The Times, the release clause included in Amorim's latest Sporting contract is set at €30 million (about £25million) for another Portuguese club, and €20 million (£16.6 million) for any interested club from abroad.

However, for a small number of elite clubs, including United, he is instead able to leave for as little as €10 million, the same fee that Sporting paid to lure him away from previous club Braga in 2020.

The new clause was included in Amorim's contract extension that keeps him with the Portuguese side until June 2026.

This makes a deal for United much easier to sort quickly, with the report also adding that Amorim could be appointed in time for the mouth-watering Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday.

In the meantime, former player Rudd van Nistelrooy will lead United as interim manager for the Carabao Cup match against Leicester City on Wednesday.

Ruben Amorim faced United during his days as a player in 2012. (Image: Getty)

Confirming in a statement, United said: "Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

"We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited."

The ex-striker will lead his first United training session with the squad on Tuesday at Carrington.