Manchester United’s bid to hire Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim has moved closer as the Portuguese club informed the country’s financial regulator that the Premier League team has confirmed their willingness to accept Amorim’s €10 release clause million ($10.79 million).

Amorim will take charge of Sporting in Tuesday night’s Taca da Liga match against Nacional at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, but it could be the 39-year-old’s last game as coach after confirming his move from United.

Due to their listing on the stock market, Portuguese champions Sporting have an obligation to notify the CMVM – Portugal’s financial regulator – of any significant impact on the club’s affairs and they released a statement this afternoon rejecting United’s bid on Amorim is set forth.

The statement to the CMVM said: “Sporting is, subject to the conditions and for the purpose of complying with the information obligation arising from the provisions of Article 17.º of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, of the European Parliament and of the The Council of April 16 informs the market in the following terms: “1. Manchester United FC expressed interest in hiring coach Rúben Amorim, and the Board of Directors of Sporting SAD referred to the terms and conditions laid down in the employment contract in force between the company and the coach, in particular for the respective termination clause and for the amount of € 10,000,000;

“2. Manchester United FC has expressed an interest in paying Sporting SAD the amount of the said clause.”

While it is unclear at this stage whether Amorim has accepted the challenge to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, sources told ESPN that United are determined to complete a deal for the highly rated coach ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Chelsea.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, appointed assistant manager of Ten Hag this summer, has been appointed by United as interim head coach until a permanent appointment is made and the former United and Real Madrid striker will be in charge of the Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City. Wednesday at Old Trafford.

However, it is likely that the match against Leicester City will be Van Nistelrooy’s only game in charge if talks with Sporting and Amorim continue to go well.

Amorim has led Sporting to two league titles since joining the club from Braga in 2020. Prior to Amorim’s appointment, Sporting had to wait 19 years to end their title drought.

The former Portuguese midfielder was considered by Liverpool, Barcelona, ​​Bayern Munich and West Ham for their vacant managerial roles last season, before committing his future to Sporting at the end of last season.

According to reports in Portugal, Sporting are now preparing for Amorim’s departure this week by appointing B team coach João Pereira to take charge for the rest of the season.

Amorim has received praise for his time at Sporting from United captain Bruno Fernandes.

“Since coach Amorim joined Sporting, they have become one of the teams that play better and more consistent football. I think the signings have been good and they are at a very good time. They won last year and are this season take the lead.” in the rankings. It is a very well-prepared team,” he said at a press conference with Portugal earlier this month.

“As for Mr. Amorim, I have spoken about him several times and I said that he is well prepared at the moment because it is not easy to win titles at Sporting. Sporting has not won any trophies for 20 years. Mr. Amorim came and won two and that proves that his work has been good.

‘Now, whether he will be able to do the same in England, Spain or anywhere else? We’ll never know until he gets there, but I’m sure Mr. Amorim’s qualities are there in everyone’s eyes.”