“It’s fantastic”: Sporting Lisbon president responds to Ruben Amorim’s links to Manchester United

Sporting Lisbon president Federico Varandas has given his verdict on suggestions that Ruben Amorim could be on the move very soon, amidst links to Premier League clubs including Manchester United.

As pressure mounts on Erik ten Hag following an underwhelming start to the 2024/25 season, Amorim has emerged as a candidate to potentially succeed the Dutchman.

This is not the first time Amorim has been mentioned to be on Unted’s radar. In the summer, while United entertained the idea of sacking Ten Hag, the Sporting gaffer was believed to be on the Red Devils’ list.

Amorim was also wanted by Liverpool and West Ham but after failed talks with the latter, he apologised to Sporting fans and ended up staying in Liga Portugal.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person claimed that United made “specific enquiries” for the 39-year-old coach, who is also being mooted as a successor to Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.

However, it seems like Sporting president Varandas is not too fussed about the prospect of losing Amorim in the near future.

Varandas told the media about Amorim, “I’ve been hearing this question for over four years.”

“I think this should make all Sporting fans and even the entire media proud; one of the best coaches in the world has been at Sporting for five years. That’s fantastic.”

“In a structure where all the pieces are important, [the coach] is the most important piece of that structure.”

He added, “Today, the three of us [Varandas, Viana and Amorim] have a friendly relationship. Today, it is a fact that Ruben Amorim has a contract with Sporting until 2026. And today, it is a fact that Hugo Viana will be the sporting director of Manchester City next year.”

“For me, that is not an issue. I live off what can I control.”

During his six years in charge at Estádio José Alvalade, Amorim has guided the Lions to two Liga Portugal titles in addition to three domestic cups.