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Man United add manager Liverpool 'agreed deal for' to shortlist amid Erik ten Hag sack pressure
by Richard Cusack · Manchester Evening NewsManchester United have added Sporting manager Ruben Amorim to their list of potential replacements for Erik ten Hag according to reports, Despite the upcoming match against Brentford next Saturday, Ten Hag's position remains precarious.
During Tuesday's executive summit in London, it is believed that United decided to give Ten Hag more time to turn things around on the pitch. The lack of convincing successors played a part in this decision, which was made during a six-hour meeting at INEOS' headquarters in Knightsbridge, mirroring the situation last summer.
A few months ago, United interviewed several coaches before deciding to stick with Ten Hag after he won the FA Cup, his second major trophy in two years. Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Frank, Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino and Marco Silva were among those who were linked with a move to the Reds.
However, a new contender has emerged in the form of Amorim, who, like Ten Hag at Ajax, has been building his reputation in Portugal. GiveMeSport reports that United have added Amorim to their watchlist as Ten Hag's future remains uncertain.
Amorim, 39, has made a name for himself in Portugal, winning two league titles and two Taca da Ligas since taking over in 2020. Sporting are also leading the Liga Portugal this season, having won all eight of their opening matches.
They've also had an undefeated start to their Champions League journey, securing four points from their first two matches. Liverpool seriously considered Amorim as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp, and it was reported that an £8.5million compensation package was agreed with Sporting to bring him to Anfield.
READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel in 'advanced talks' as Man United make final Erik ten Hag decision
However, Sporting's president Frederico Varandas allegedly changed the terms at the last minute, demanding double the amount. This led Liverpool to back out of the deal.
Amorim later travelled to London for discussions with West Ham United but ultimately decided to stay at Sporting, apologising to fans for considering other options. It's evident he's interested in a move to the Premier League, and one of the most prestigious positions could soon become available if United's performance doesn't pick up.
Reds captain Bruno Fernandes would welcome Amorim's arrival, having recently praised his success in Portugal. “Since Ruben Amorim arrived at Sporting, they have been one of the best teams playing football," he said.
"They have been consistent, the signings has been spot on and they are going through a very good moment. It’s a very well prepared team. "In regards to Amorim, it shows that he’s prepared.
"Coaching Sporting is not easy as isn’t winning titles especially when they went 20 years without a league title. The time he’s been here, Amorim’s already won two league titles and that shows the work that has been done. "If he manages to do the same in England, Spain or anywhere else, you’ll never know until he gets there but I am sure that his qualities are visible to everyone.”
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