Manchester United are in a race against time to complete a deal for new manager Ruben Amorim before the Chelsea game this weekend.
The Reds immediately singled out the Portuguese tactician as their favoured replacement for Erik ten Hag. However, getting him from Sporting CP is a hassle despite their willingness to pay the €10 million release clause for the 39-year-old.
According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, United could find themselves waiting for quite some time for the arrival of the new manager.
“The latest information I have from Portugal is that Sporting Lisbon ideally want him to stay in charge for their next three matches,” Crook said. “Obviously, Man United want him in sooner, so negotiations continue.”
Sporting have a league clash with Estrela da Amadora on November 1 before a UEFA Champions League game against Manchester City and a return to former club Braga on November 10 before the international break. Sporting are inclined to let him go over the break.
Sporting CP will likely stick to their guns even as United keep negotiating for the former Benfica midfielder turned coaching phenom.
In the meantime, Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain the interim coach, and his tenure got off to an excellent start with a 5-2 win in the Carabao Cup over Leicester City at Old Trafford.
In the wake of Erik ten Hag’s recent dismissal, the United players delivered an emphatic response that thrilled the home supporters.
The Red Devils were dominant in the first half, with Casemiro finding the back of the net twice, alongside goals from Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho. Leicester City managed to stay in contention by scoring twice, with their second goal coming just before the break.
Although the second half lacked the same intensity as the first, Fernandes sealed the win with a goal just after the hour mark, ensuring the Foxes couldn’t mount a comeback.
With this victory, United advance to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. Next, they welcome a visit from high-flying Chelsea on Sunday.
