Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim's prospective move to Manchester United appears to be hanging by a thread after his clandestine trip to England sparked outrage among his current club's supporters.
The highly-rated Portuguese coach, who had emerged as a leading candidate to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, was caught on camera attending Sunderland's Championship clash with West Bromwich Albion at the Stadium of Light this weekend.
Secret West Ham Meeting Exposed
Amorim's visit to the North East wasn't merely a scouting mission. The 39-year-old had previously held undisclosed talks with West Ham United officials in London about potentially replacing David Moyes, a meeting that has now been exposed and caused significant backlash.
Sporting fans have reacted with fury to their manager's actions, with many feeling betrayed by his behind-the-scenes negotiations with another club while their team remains in a title race.
Manchester United's Managerial Conundrum
This development throws Manchester United's summer planning into disarray. With Erik ten Hag's future uncertain after a disappointing season, Amorim had been identified as a prime target to revitalise the Red Devils.
However, the public relations disaster surrounding Amorim's English excursion has raised serious questions about whether United would now consider him a viable option, given the toxic reaction from Sporting supporters.
Liverpool's Narrow Escape
In a twist of fate, Amorim had previously been strongly linked with the Liverpool job before the Anfield club ultimately appointed Arne Slot. The recent events have many Liverpool fans breathing sighs of relief that their club avoided a potential managerial controversy.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a manager's stock can fall in modern football, with Amorim's previously pristine reputation now significantly tarnished.
As the managerial merry-go-round prepares to spin into action this summer, Amorim finds himself at the centre of a storm that could see him miss out on two of the Premier League's biggest jobs.
