Sporting president breaks cover amid Ruben Amorim negotiations as Manchester United’s swoop for coach hits stumbling block over notice period pay-off

Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas gave a short response to journalists after breaking cover amid Manchester United‘s pursuit of Ruben Amorim. 

The Red Devils are keen to replace Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday morning, with the highly-rated 39-year-old head coach. 

Sporting announced on Tuesday that United plan to pay the €10million (£8.5m) release clause to buy Amorim out of his contract. Amorim refused to confirm if he will be the next Red Devils boss during his press conference following his side’s 3-1 League Cup win over Nacional on Tuesday night. 

The club’s president was similarly evasive as he was spotted entering the Sporting academy while on a run on Wednesday. Upon seeing the gaggle of reporters that had amassed just outside the main grounds, Varandas greeted the group and simply said: ‘It’s a beautiful morning.’

Amorim arrived at Sporting HQ earlier to take training as negotiations between the two clubs over his notice period continues. 

Sporting  president Frederico Varandas avoided questions on the Ruben Amorim situation 

The 45-year-old became president in 2018 before being confirmed after an election campaign

Ruben Amorim, 39, is inching closer to becoming the next Manchester United manager

Several Sporting players have reportedly expressed their frustrations with Amorim as he prepares to depart the Portuguese champions just nine matches into the new league season. 

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo have reported that they have been angered over Amorim’s likely departure.

The outlet claims Sporting stars Viktor Gyokeres and Morten Hjulmand are unhappy, with the in-demand pair having been ‘enticed’ to stay at the club in the summer with the aim of defending the Portuguese title with Amorim.

Meanwhile, Mail Sport revealed on Tuesday that Amorim has a notice period of ‘a number of weeks rather than days’, leaving the clubs negotiating over the timing of his departure.

Amorim admitted he had addressed United’s interest to the Sporting squad during their pre-match preparations against Nacional. 

‘There was no talk of anything, it was just before the set pieces to get the elephant out of the room,’ Amorim said. ‘Before the statement was released, I explained to the players everything that was happening. There is nothing more to say. 

Players including Viktor Gyokeres (R) and Morten Hjumland (L) were said to be furious with him

Amorim appears poised to become Ineos’ first managerial appointment at Man United

‘I don’t interfere in the players’ lives, but I am the coach, I spoke with the board to understand how to manage the squad. 

Without a doubt my players will be disappointed with me if I leave, but it’s part of life. That happened in Braga, when I came. That happened a bit, because they were disappointed.’

Amorim has already faced criticism from some fans and former club officials should he move to Man United, amid claims he has ‘abandoned’ the club.

The 39-year-old has led Sporting to two domestic titles since taking charge in 2020.

Jaime Marta Soares, the former chairman of Sporting’s General Assembly, claimed that Amorim’s reputation at the club has been tarnished by his impending exit.

Soares claimed Amorim’s dedication to Sporting has been exposed as being a ‘fantasy’ and hit out at his exit during the season. 

He also took aim at Sporting president Varandas for failing to prevent Amorim’s departure, which he labelled as a ‘real disaster’.

‘[Ruben Amorim’s] attitude and personality seemed like one thing, but that fell apart from one moment to the next,’ Soares told Radio Renascenca. ‘His love, passion and dedication to Sporting were just fantasy situations.

Former Sporting official Jaime Marta Soares has hit out at Amorim over his mid-season exit

‘He was the one who created an environment with an entire Sporting fanatic nation around him, who adored and respected him. He shouldn’t have spat in the plate that gave him his soup.

‘I’m a fan of Ruben Amorim, but there are things that shouldn’t be allowed. It was at Sporting that he made his name.

‘If he hadn’t let himself get caught up in the dream of making millions, and since he was adored by Sporting fans, he should have thought about leaving through the big door and not this way. Sporting fans will certainly react.’