Ruben Amorim 'will not go to Man U until after international break'

Sporting Lisbon are determined not to let Ruben Amorim head to Manchester United until after the international break, according to reports in Portugal.

The manager has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to succeed Erik ten Hag in the Red Devils post, after the Dutchman was finally dismissed as boss on Monday following months of uncertainty.

On Tuesday, Sporting released a statement confirming United's plan to pay the €10million (£8.5m) release clause to buy Amorim out of his contract. 

However, one significant sticking point which has emerged over the last 24 hours is the matter of when the Portuguese can make the switch to the Premier League side, with Mail Sport revealing that he could be required to serve a lengthy notice period. 

Portuguese reports add that the manager could be forced to stay for up to 30 days after his release clause is triggered and the side look likely to exercise this option. 

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This means the coach might still be in the dug-out for his current team's Champions League clash with Manchester City on November 5. 

These reports were backed up the BBC, who reported that interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was set to carry out media duties for United ahead of Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea.

This means it is unlikely that Amorim would be in charge for that clash, which had been United's original hope when they entered into discussions with Sporting.

Sporting are also looking to make it tricky for the Premier League giants to raid Sporting of their entire coaching staff, with officials demanding another €5m (£4.3m) for Amorim's assistants to join him.

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This comes after Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas gave a short response to journalists as he broke cover amid Manchester United's pursuit of Ruben Amorim. 

The club's president was evasive as he was spotted entering the Sporting academy while on a run on Wednesday.

Upon seeing the gaggle of reports that had amassed just outside the main grounds, Varandas greeted the group and simply said 'It’s a beautiful morning.' 

Sporting announced on Tuesday that United plan to pay the €10m (£8.5m) release clause to buy Amorim out of his contract. Amorim refused to confirm if he will be the next Red Devils boss during his press conference following his side's 3-1 cup win over Nacional on Tuesday night. 

Amorim arrived at Sporting HQ earlier to take training as negotiations between the two clubs over his notice period continues.

United are understood to have sent three officials to Lisbon to seal an agreement for Amorim immediately after their cup victory. 

Ahead of the tie, Amorim was asked about links to United in the wake of Ten Hag's sacking.

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'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,' he said on Monday. 'I'm very proud to be Sporting coach, that's all.' 

Several Sporting players have reportedly expressed their frustrations with Amorim as he prepares to depart the Portuguese champions just nine matches into the new league season. 

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo have reported that several Sporting players have been angered over Amorim's likely departure.

The outlet claims Sporting stars Viktor Gyokeres and Morten Hjulmand are unhappy, with the in-demand pair having been 'enticed' to stay at the club in the summer with the aim of defending the Portuguese title with Amorim.

Amorim admitted he had addressed Man United's interest to the Sporting squad during their pre-match preparations against Nacional. 

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

'I don't interfere in the players' lives, but I am the coach, I spoke with the board to understand how to manage the squad. 

'Without a doubt my players will be disappointed with me if I leave, but it's part of life. That happened in Braga, when I came. That happened a bit, because they were disappointed.'

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BREAKING NEWS
Ruben Amorim arrives at Sporting Lisbon's HQ to take training as Man United manager saga drags on

Amorim has already faced criticism from some fans and former club officials should he move to Man United, amid claims he has 'abandoned' the club.

The 39-year-old has led Sporting to two domestic titles since taking charge in 2020.

Jaime Marta Soares, the former chairman of Sporting's General Assembly, claimed that Amorim's reputation at the club has been tarnished by his impending exit.

Soares claimed Amorim's dedication to Sporting has been exposed as being a 'fantasy' and hit out at his exit during the season. 

He also took aim at Sporting president Varandas for failing to prevent Amorim's departure, which he labelled as a 'real disaster'.

'[Ruben Amorim's] attitude and personality seemed like one thing, but that fell apart from one moment to the next,' Soares told Radio Renascenca. 'His love, passion and dedication to Sporting were just fantasy situations.

'He was the one who created an environment with an entire Sporting fanatic nation around him, who adored and respected him. He shouldn't have spat in the plate that gave him his soup.

'I'm a fan of Ruben Amorim, but there are things that shouldn't be allowed. It was at Sporting that he made his name.

'If he hadn't let himself get caught up in the dream of making millions, and since he was adored by Sporting fans, he should have thought about leaving through the big door and not this way. Sporting fans will certainly react.'

Ten Hag oversaw three wins, two draws and four defeats in the top flight this season prior to his dismissal at United. 

The results have left Man United already seven points adrift of the Premier League top four and six behind Sunday's visitors Chelsea.