Speculation is mounting over the future of Sporting CP manager Rúben Amorim, with reports suggesting that he could be a potential candidate for managerial roles at Manchester United and Manchester City.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, the 39-year-old is being considered as a possible replacement for Erik ten Hag at United, should the Dutchman be sacked. While United remain committed to Ten Hag for the time being, the club is reportedly “putting out feelers” regarding Amorim’s availability, Goal.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are also said to be closely monitoring the Portuguese manager’s situation, with Pep Guardiola’s current contract set to expire next summer. Replacing either Ten Hag or Guardiola would be a daunting challenge, but Amorim’s track record and growing reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young managers have put him on the radar of both Manchester giants.
Rúben Amorim has made a significant impact since taking the reins at Sporting CP in March 2020. Under his guidance, the Lisbon-based club has enjoyed tremendous success, winning two Primeira Liga titles and two Taça da Liga (Portuguese League Cup) trophies. His impressive win rate of 71.49% has cemented his reputation as one of the top managerial talents in European football.
In addition to domestic success, Amorim’s Sporting side has been competitive on the European stage. As they sit atop the Portuguese top-flight with a perfect record this season, Sporting look set to challenge for further honors, both domestically and in the Champions League. They return to action in Europe’s elite competition on Tuesday night, facing Austrian side Sturm Graz, where Amorim’s tactical acumen will again be on display.
While Amorim is reportedly not planning to leave Sporting this season, the buzz around his future continues to grow. His current contract with Sporting runs until 2026, but there is a key detail that has caught the attention of potential suitors: his release clause. According to reports, Amorim’s contract includes a release clause that becomes active next summer, making him an attractive option for clubs in search of a new manager.
Manchester United’s interest in Amorim comes as Erik ten Hag faces mounting pressure. After a promising first season in charge, the Dutch manager has struggled to maintain consistency, and questions are being asked about his long-term future at Old Trafford. While United are currently standing by Ten Hag, the club’s hierarchy appears to be exploring potential replacements should they decide to make a change.
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At Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s future is also uncertain. The Catalan manager, who has led City to unprecedented success since his arrival in 2016, is out of contract next summer. While City will undoubtedly do everything in their power to convince Guardiola to stay, the club must also prepare for the possibility of life without him. Amorim, with his tactical flexibility, ability to develop young players, and winning mentality, could be seen as a suitable successor to Guardiola.
For Amorim, taking the reins at either Manchester United or Manchester City would represent a monumental challenge. Replacing Erik ten Hag, who has been tasked with restoring United to their former glory, would come with immense pressure. United’s fanbase and ownership are desperate for a return to the heights they once enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson, and any new manager would face intense scrutiny.
On the other hand, stepping into Pep Guardiola’s shoes at Manchester City could be equally daunting. Guardiola has not only delivered multiple Premier League titles and domestic trophies but also guided City to their first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph. His tactical brilliance and influence on modern football make him one of the most revered managers of all time. Following in his footsteps would be no easy task for any manager, even one as talented as Amorim.
Despite the challenges, Rúben Amorim has already shown that he is capable of achieving great things. His success with Sporting CP, a club not traditionally dominant in Portuguese football, speaks volumes about his managerial abilities. He has built a team capable of competing at the highest level, all while developing young talent and implementing a dynamic style of play.
Amorim was also linked with the Liverpool job earlier this year, before Arne Slot ultimately succeeded Jürgen Klopp at Anfield. This continued interest from top European clubs is a testament to Amorim’s growing stature in the football world.
As the season progresses and the futures of both Erik ten Hag and Pep Guardiola come into sharper focus, Rúben Amorim will likely remain a name in the conversation for some of the biggest managerial positions in Europe. For now, however, the 39-year-old remains fully committed to Sporting CP, where he aims to continue building on his remarkable success.
In the coming months, both Manchester United and Manchester City will be keeping a close eye on Amorim’s progress, as the young manager’s future becomes one of the hottest talking points in football. Whether he eventually makes the leap to the Premier League remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Rúben Amorim is a manager destined for the top.