Ruben Amorim's cheeky Erik ten Hag claim in response to Man Utd links

Manchester United hope to land Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim as their new head coach after sacking Erik ten Hag earlier this week and the Red Devils have made an approach

It is not the first time Ruben Amorim has been asked about links to Manchester United.

The Sporting CP boss is the firm favourite to take the job after Erik ten Hag was sacked and United have already entered discussions with the Portuguese side over the 39-year-old's release clause. While Ruud van Nistelrooy is in charge of the Red Devils against Leicester, there is a feeling he won't be needed long in the Old Trafford hotseat.

Amorim has already faced questions over the prospect of joining United and will continue to do so until the matter is resolved. The former Benfica midfielder's tone is likely to be somewhat more serious than last time he was asked about joining the 13-time Premier League champions however.

In 2021, in the aftermath of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being relieved of his duties, Sporting prepared to face Ajax and already Amorim was in the discussion for next United manager. In a twist of fate, on that occasion the 14-cap Portugal international instead recommended his opposite number in the Champions League.

"United? We are talking about rumours, my future is clear," he said. "I don't know how many names were talked about, I don't give much importance. If you allow me the opinion, United should take Ten Hag later this week. It was something that would make me very happy."

The same light-hearted response was not available after Sporting's win over Nacional on Tuesday evening. Amorim acknowledged conversations over his future were taking place but he had yet to make a decision.

"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 explained. "While I don't have everything decided, for one side or the other, I can't tell much more."

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With United's approach being confirmed just hours before Sporting kicked off, Amorim was forced to inform his players during the preparations. The coach also understands any anger directed his way.

"It's difficult. It's almost impossible, it's football, there was an announcement and it happened on match day. That's out of your control," he said.

"There was no talk of anything, it was just before the set pieces to get the elephant out of the room. Before the statement was released, I explained to the players everything that was happening. There is nothing more to say.

"Of course they [the fans] are angry. They have a lot of affection for me and my work. I understand that and it's perfectly natural. If I have the opportunity, and I certainly will, I'll explain in detail why I decided one thing or another."

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