Rúben Amorim: Why Sporting’s €20 million demand is blocking his Manchester United move

Sporting are making a €20 million demand that is continuing to block Rúben Amorim’s pending move to Manchester United.

Manchester United are closing in on appointing Ruben Amorim as their next Head Coach, having decided to relieve Erik ten Hag of his duties.

The Dutch manager’s departure followed a 2-1 defeat to West Ham, where a controversial penalty, coolly converted by Jarrad Bowen, proved decisive.

Read More: “I spoke with…” Pep Guardiola issues Rúben Amorim verdict ahead of Man United appointment

United confirmed Ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday morning, sparking widespread speculation about his successor. By evening, reports indicated that Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim had emerged as United’s top choice, with terms already agreed between the two parties.

For now, as United prepare to face Leicester City and Chelsea this week, Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in as interim manager.

Sporting’s current block

When news broke that Amroim’s contract contained a €10 million (£8.3 million) release clause, many thought that once United paid this clause, the discussion would be over, with the head coach having already agreed to his new terms at the club.

However, it has since been revealed that there are still a number of hurdles United must jump over in order to secure their man.

According to A Bola, beyond the release clause for Amorim, there is also a 30-day notice period within his contract that must be adhered too following the triggering of his release clause.

There is also the matter of his assistants. There are reports that Amorim will likely bring his coaching staff to United, and Sporting are demanding that a further €5 million (£4.1 million) be paid to release his two assistants, Carlos Fernandes and Adelio Candido, from their contracts.

A Bola explains that United must pay further millions to skip the 30-day waiting period. Although an exact figure is not mentioned, they hint that this may be yet another €5 million (£4.1 million), bringing the total cost of Amorim’s move to United to around €20 million (£16.6 million).

United currently have two executives, sporting director Dan Ashworth and CEO Omar Berrada, out in Lisbon to negotiate these current blockages.

Amorim’s words

Speaking after Sporting’s 3-1 win over Nacional on Tuesday evening, Amorim fielded several questions about his Manchester United move.

“I will be clear when there is something to say,” he told the Portugese local press and the English press who had flown out to cover the game.

“The players and the fans will deserve a clear explanation if I do leave, but I am not in a position to speak further about it at this moment.”

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