Ruben Amorim doesn’t have to worry about Zinedine Zidane concern after Man United deal agreed

Incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim already speaks fluent English - something Zinedine Zidane claimed would have held him back if he ever took the job.

United have agreed a fee with Sporting CP for Amorim, who is set to become the sixth permanent United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. The Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday morning after the Dutchman oversaw the club’s worst start to a Premier League season, with Amorim tasked with steadying the ship and pushing the team towards a European spot.

The Portuguese coach, 39, is expected to remain in charge of Sporting until the November international break, according to reports in Portugal. He remained coy to every question thrown his way by Sky Sports after his side’s 3-1 win over Nacional in the Portuguese League Cup, while demonstrating a fluency in English which will allow him to seamlessly take on the United role.

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Amorim said this week: “We need to wait a little bit more to explain everything I need to explain, and then everything will be very clear. It’s my decision. I will tell everything so we have to wait, I don’t know how long.”

Asked if he will be in the dugout for United's game against Chelsea on Sunday, Amorim added: "I will be here [Lisbon]." And when quizzed further, he added: "I don't know."

His capacity to speak English already is a major plus for both the manager and United when it comes to communicating with his players. Three-time Champions League winner Zidane, who has been out of work since 2021, admitted his inability to speak the language would hinder his management in England amid links to an Old Trafford move previously.

Zidane discussed the prospect of managing in the Premier League in 2022, telling L'Equipe: "Never say never. Especially when you are a coach today. If I go back to a club, it is to win. I say this with all modesty.

"That's why I can't just go anywhere. For other reasons, too. Certain conditions make things more difficult. When someone says to me, 'Do you want to go to Manchester [United]?' I understand English but I don't fully master it.

"I know there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work differently. To win, many elements come into play. It's a global context. I know what I need to win. Of course, I might not always win, but I know that you need to have this, this and this. And I want to do everything on my side to optimise my chances of victory."

Portuguese newspaper Record reports that a clause in Amorim's contract states Sporting have 30 days to part ways with their coach from the moment United pay his release clause. As a result, the new United boss will likely not be in the dugout for United's crunch Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday.

Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was in charge for the first time in the win against Leicester City on Wednesday, and looks set to take charge for matches against Chelsea (November 3), PAOK (November 7) and Leicester City (November 10) before the break.

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