KUALA LUMPUR: Manchester United are reportedly close to appointing Ruben Amorim as their new manager, with sources indicating the Sporting Lisbon coach could take charge as early as this weekend.
United are in talks with Sporting over Amorim's potential move, with discussions progressing quickly.
Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took temporary charge on Monday following Erik ten Hag's dismissal, is expected to lead only one game — Wednesday's League Cup match against Leicester City.
According to The Times, Amorim, 39, could be on the United bench for their Premier League game against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ahead of Sporting's Portuguese League Cup fixture against Nacional on Tuesday, Amorim was questioned about the United links.
"I was already expecting this question, and obviously I'm not going to talk about the future," he told reporters on Monday. "I'm very proud to be Sporting coach, that's all."
The Portuguese newspaper Record reports that Amorim could travel to England as early as Wednesday if an agreement is reached.
United are reportedly eager to have him take charge immediately for Sunday's fixture, rather than observing from the sidelines.
Manchester United, currently 14th in the Premier League, hope to rebound after a disappointing start to the season.
Ten Hag left after overseeing three wins, two draws, and four defeats, leaving the club seven points off the top four and six behind Chelsea, who they face on Sunday.
Sporting, meanwhile, have reportedly already identified Amorim's successor, with Joao Pereira, manager of their B team, expected to step up.
Pereira, who played three stints for Sporting and was part of their 2021 title-winning squad under Amorim, is considered a strong candidate.