United parted ways with Erik ten Hag on Monday after a 2-1 loss to West Ham, which left the team in 14th place in the Premier League, having secured only three victories from nine games.
Amorim quickly became the primary candidate for the position, and Sporting released a statement to the Lisbon stock exchange confirming that United was prepared to activate his release clause of 10 million euros ($11 million).
While reports surfaced on Thursday suggesting that the 39-year-old would be officially announced as United’s new manager later that day, those claims appear to have been premature.
During a press conference ahead of Friday’s home league match against Estrela, Amorim faced numerous inquiries regarding his potential move but chose to remain silent on the matter.
“It is a negotiation between two clubs,” he said on Thursday. “It’s never easy. Even with the clauses it’s never easy, they have to talk.
“We will have clarification after the game. It will be very clear, so it’s one more day. After the game tomorrow, we will have the decision made.”
In response to a question about what he appreciated most about the Premier League as he was leaving the press conference, he replied with a grin: “Everything.”
Amorim beamed again when inquired if he had seen United’s 5-2 victory over Leicester in the League Cup on Wednesday.
The Sporting manager has reportedly reached an agreement to remain with the club until 2027, with an option for an additional year. His debut match is expected to be the away game against Ipswich on November 24. Earlier on Thursday, The Athletic reported that United had finalized an agreement with Sporting.
According to their sources, the coach will continue with the Portuguese champions for the next three matches: Friday’s encounter with Estrela, the upcoming Champions League match against Manchester City, and the away game at Sporting Braga the following weekend.
Amorim has secured two Portuguese league titles with Sporting since his arrival in March 2020.
Recognized as a promising talent in European coaching, he was considered for the managerial position at Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp announced his departure, but the role ultimately went to Dutch coach Arne Slot.
Amorim also engaged in discussions with West Ham earlier this year before they appointed former Spain manager Julen Lopetegui to succeed David Moyes.
Despite significant investment in the transfer market, Ten Hag faced consequences for a disappointing start to the season.
Before Wednesday’s victory over Leicester in the fourth round of the League Cup, United had managed only one win in their last eight matches across all competitions.
The Dutch manager had previously secured the League Cup and FA Cup during his tenure at Old Trafford, but the club has not claimed the Premier League title since 2013, the final season of Alex Ferguson’s management. Ferguson won the Premier League championship 13 times, yet since his exit, five permanent managers have come and gone without adding to the club’s total of 20 top-flight titles.
United's interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy oversaw the win against Leicester and will handle media responsibilities for the Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday.
The former star striker of the club, the Dutchman, is expected to continue as interim manager for United’s final three matches before the international break.
Van Nistelrooy will address the media regarding the upcoming Chelsea match in a press conference scheduled for later on Thursday and has indicated his interest in being involved in the new coaching structure.