Man Utd 'ready to poach Man City's Pep Guardiola replacement' but they need to act fast

Manchester United have reportedly made enquiries about Sporting boss Ruben Amorim in case they decide to cut ties with Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils’ local rivals, Manchester City, are also understood to be keen on Amorim as Pep Guardiola weighs up whether to draw a line under his stint at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.

Amorim, 39, has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young coaches. And with Sporting director of football Hugo Viana bound for City at the end of this season, rumours are already circulating that the Portuguese may follow him.

According to Sky Germany, United have placed Amorim on their hit list in preparation for Ten Hag’s possible departure. The Dutchman is being given more time to turn things around at Old Trafford despite overseeing a miserable start to the season.

But more poor results could spell the end for the former Ajax boss. The same report states that a release clause in Amorim’s Sporting contract, which expires in 2026, will come into play next summer, meaning United could snap him up if they act decisively.

Amorim is in no rush to leave Portugal, where his Sporting side sit top of the table with a flawless record of eight victories in as many games.

United are a lowly 14th in the Premier League table after winning only two of their first seven. Their European form has also been underwhelming, with two draws in two Europa League games against Twente and Porto.

INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe was reportedly interested in Thomas Tuchel before the German was snapped up by England. Even so, Ten Hag came out swinging earlier this week when discussing rumours around his future.

“The noises came from the media, some of you, not all of you,” he said. “Some of you are coming up with stories, creating stories, creating fairytales, bringing a noise, bringing lies. I know we are all on one page at this club.

“Internally at the club, it’s quiet. Of course we are discussing the position we are in and we’re unhappy with that. We have to turn the corner and that’s the strategy to turn this corner. We are quiet and composed, stick to the plan and are convinced we will turn the corner. We face challenges in football, sometimes it goes up or down. I’m sure we will make this a success as we did the last two seasons.”