Man Utd hit Ruben Amorim snag due to Sporting clause that could delay move

Manchester United could be prevented from appointing Ruben Amorim as their new manager for several weeks, according to reports. The current Sporting boss is thought to be in advanced talks to replace Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout.

Sporting confirmed on Tuesday that United had agreed to pay the £8.3million release clause in Amorim’s contract. Discussions between the relevant parties are still ongoing but it seems a deal is likely to be completed within the next few days.

Even if financial terms are settled quickly, it seems United may still be prevented from welcoming Amorim to the club straight away. It was hoped that he would be in charge against Chelsea this weekend but a snag in negotiations could disrupt United’s plans.

Amorim will need to work a notice period at Sporting before he can make a start at Old Trafford, according to the Daily Mail. It is said that his notice period will be ‘a number of weeks rather than days’, meaning his appointment could be delayed.

It means Amorim will be unable to take over at United unless a deal is reached on an earlier termination. If he is forced to work the entirety of his notice period, he will not be able to take charge of the Red Devils until they face Ipswich on November 24.

United have confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy will serve as their interim manager until Amorim’s appointment can be finalised. The former Red Devils striker could remain in charge for the next four games in all competitions unless a solution is found.

Amorim’s immediate priority will be to get United back to winning ways after a disastrous start to their Premier League season. They currently sit 14th in the table having won three, drawn two and lost four of their opening nine matches.

The 39-year-old is regarded as one of the best managers in world football and held talks with Liverpool before they appointed Arne Slot. Earlier this year, he had been tipped as the ideal long-term successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Amorim has already received a glowing review from former United boss Jose Mourinho, who sang the praises of his compatriot in an interview with Mais Futebol during the summer.

“I like him as a person, I like him as a coach,” said Mourinho. “I think he has the conditions to be able to coach in any league and he has the conditions to be able to coach in any club. But he’s in a good league and he’s in a big club.

“The decision is his, and it will be up to the clubs that want him or not to convince him with more or less arguments.”