Sporting Lisbon demand compensation for coaches Ruben Amorim wants to bring to Manchester United

Negotiations are ongoing as Manchester United look to appoint Ruben Amorim as their new manager, but there are also deals to be done for the backroom staff he wants to bring to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils appear to be on the verge of confirming the 39-year-old as Erik ten Hag’s permanent successor after they confirmed the decision to sack the Dutchman on Monday.

Speaking after the Sporting’s win over Nacional on Tuesday night, Amorim remained tightlipped on his intentions, amid reports that United want him to be in charge for Sunday’s game against Chelsea.

‘Nobody knows if it was a farewell match or if there will be a farewell,’ he said. ‘It’s a matter that hasn’t been decided yet.

He added in a post-match press conference, via Sky Sports: ‘I’ve seen the statement from the club and the interest of Man United. I have a release clause and when something more concrete emerges, it will be communicated. Nothing has yet been decided.

‘I’m not here to speak about my contract. Those terms stay between myself and Sporting. Every coach has a clause and this is what was agreed between us.

‘When a club shows an interest in a coach, that is not something I can control. There is a club that is interested, and we will see what happens in the next few days.’

It is expected that Amorim will indeed join the Red Devils and Sky Sports report that he intends to bring three coaches with him, these being Carlos Fernandez, Adelio Candido and Jorge Vital.

However, it will be another expense for United as the report states that ‘about €5m (£4.19m)’ in compensation for the three men. That is on top of Amorim’s release clause of €10 million (£8.3m).

There is also a stumbling block for the Premier League side as Sporting want their manager to work through his 30-day notice period, or at least until the November international break. Negotiations continue between the clubs on this matter.

Once installed as United’s new boss, attention will quickly turn to the signings Amorim will look to make in order to strengthen a squad which is already a way off the top four pace in the Premier League.

Goals have been in short supply this term with Rasmus Hojlund only just back from injury and summer recruit Joshua Zirkzee struggling to get up to speed.

Sporting, meanwhile, boast one of Europe’s most potent forwards with Viktor Gyokeres adding two more to his tally for the campaign last night.

The Sweden international now has 16 goals in 15 games in all competitions this term with a stunning free kick the highlight of last night’s performance.

With United’s current crop of forwards struggling for goals, fans are desperate for Gyokeres, who has already been linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams, to join the club in January as Amorim’s first signing.

‘Book an extra seat on that flight, Ruben!’ said one hopeful United fan, while another added ‘I’d be selling Rashford January & putting a down payment on him for the summer.’

Another fan remarked ‘Late bloomer this guy, but oh my lord. He’s been on an insane run since 2022. He might be the real deal.’