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The Erik ten Hag era officially ended on Monday with Manchester United set to face Leicester City in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Sunday’s defeat to a out-of-form West Ham which left the Red Devils in 14th position in the Premier League finally forced INEOS into action with his assistant coach taking charge.
However, the former United striker might not be in the dugout for too long as reports gather pace that the Old Trafford side are inching closer to announcing Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim as their new manager.
As relayed by The Peoples Person, the 20-time English league champions have already agreed to trigger his release clause of around £8.3 million but there are further roadblocks to overcome.
Amorim Roadblocks
INEOS had initially wanted the Portuguese tactician to be in the dugout for next weekend’s league tie against Chelsea but Amorim is expected to remain Sporting manager for Friday clash against Estrela da Amadora.
That is because the 39-year-old’s contract includes a one-month notice period which might mean he will only arrive in Manchester after the November international break.
As per Givemesport, United’s new co-owners are locked in talks with their Portuguese counterparts and could pay over the release clause amount to get their man in before the weekend.
United could have to fork out close to £14 million to get their man and there is a growing acceptance that the move will happen in time for the weekend match.
“Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is having to come to terms with the fact that he may be forced to fork out more than £14 million in order to make the speedy appointment of Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s successor and ensure the Sporting head coach’s assistants follow him to Old Trafford, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
United will have to pay more
“GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United could be forced to play the waiting game as the terms of Amorim’s buyout include him having to serve a 30-day notice period, meaning further negotiations need to take place if they want him to arrive in the dugout before the November international break.
“GMS sources have been told that there remains an expectation for Amorim and his assistants to arrive at Manchester United in the coming days instead of him being forced to see out his notice period at Portuguese giants Sporting, while negotiations have been amicable between the two clubs.”
If and when Amorim does arrive with his assistant coaches, the three-time European champions are likely to bid adieu to Van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake.
No confirmation regarding the same has been forthcoming. Hopefully, the former fan favourite can get his team over the line against the Foxes on Wednesday and ensure a smooth start for the new incoming coach.
Feature image Emilio Andreoli via Getty Images
