Sporting CP confirm Manchester United have agreed to pay release clause for Amorim

Sporting CP have confirmed that Manchester United are willing to meet the €10million release clause for manager Ruben Amorim.

The Primeira Liga club have announced to the Portuguese stock market the Red Devils’ intention to pay the €10m (£8.3) needed to release Amorim from his contract, paving the way for the 39-year-old to take over at Old Trafford.

Amorim, who has previously been linked with Liverpool and Manchester City, emerged as United’s first choice for the vacant manager’s position after the sacking of Erik ten Hag on Monday.

Sporting’s statement said: “Manchester United FC has expressed an interest in hiring coach Rúben Amorim, and the Board of Directors of Sporting SAD has referred to the terms and conditions set out in the employment contract in force between the Company and the coach, specifically the respective termination clause and the amount of €10m.”

“Manchester United FC has expressed an interest in paying Sporting the amount of the aforementioned clause.”

The Portuguese manager has reportedly already given the green light to taking over at Old Trafford, so the final step of agreeing personal terms is not thought to be an issue.

🚨🔴 BREAKING: Manchester United are set to pay €10m exit clause for Rúben Amorim to become new manager, here we go!

Sporting confirm formal communication received from #MUFC for Amorim to be appointed.

Amorim has already said yes to Man Utd proposal and project. pic.twitter.com/v17tR1oqlm

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 29, 2024

Why Manchester United want Amorim

Amorim is highly rated from his four-year spell in charge of Sporting, which has seen him lead the club to two league titles with an expansive style of football.

He was heavily linked with rivals Liverpool in the summer after Jurgen Klopp’s departure before the Reds opted to appoint Arne Slot, while he was also touted as Pep Guardiola’s potential successor at Manchester City.

The former Braga and Casa Pia coach is poised to become United’s sixth permanent manager in 10 years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, with the Red Devils without a Premier League title during that time.

They currently sit 14th in the league after winning just three of their first nine games of the campaign and scoring just eight goals.

Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham proved the end for Ten Hag, who departs after more than two years in charge.