Next Manchester United manager: Sporting Lisbon identify Ruben Amorim replacement

Sporting Lisbon have already decided who'll replace manager if he completes his move to .

Amorim, 39, is the firm favourite to succeed , who was following a disastrous start to the season. The Red Devils have identified ex- midfielder Amorim as , with United chief working on a deal with .

Ashworth played a key role in the sacking of Ten Hag, who'd guided United to a mere four wins in 14 games across all competitions this season. The Dutchman had also led the Red Devils to their worst-ever finish last term, slumping to eighth in the table.

Having been heavily linked with over the summer and meeting to discuss their vacancy, Amorim is in talks to become United's sixth permanent boss in 11 years. Given the previous interest in Amorim, Sporting are braced for the 39-year-old's departure and know the man who's next in line to lead them.

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Portuguese outlet report that Joao Pereira will be promoted from his role as manager of the club's B team in the event that Amorim leaves. The former Sporting right-back, who also played 40 times for , has already been given the seal of approval by Amorim, too.

"Joeo Pereira is making his mark," Amorim hailed in May. "I think he is an excellent coach, he has all the conditions to become Sporting's coach."

Club president Frederico Varandas is also a huge fan of Pereira, who could be given the chance to secure back-to-back league titles for Sporting for the first time in 70 years. The Lions first won the title under Amorin in 2022 and were unable to retain it the following season, but now they have another chance.

Get involved! Is Ruben Amorim the right choice for Manchester United? Have your say in the .

Amorim faced the media on Monday afternoon to preview Tuesday's clash with Nacional in the Portuguese League Cup quarter-final. Addressing the links to United, Amorim said: "I was already expecting this question and obviously I'm not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I'll always have to comment. I'm very proud to be Sporting coach, that's all."

Sporting host Estrela da Amadora on Friday and then play at home to in the next Tuesday, facing off against and Co.

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