Manchester United's efforts to appoint Ruben Amorim as their new manager are being delayed by negotiations with Sporting CP over his 30-day notice period. United have informed the Portuguese club of their intention to pay Amorim's €10 million (£8.3 million) release clause and hope to have him in place for Sunday's Premier League match against Chelsea, but this timeline may be unrealistic without a breakthrough in talks.
United face six fixtures over the next 30 days, including a home game against Everton on 1 December. However, there is confidence within the club's executive that the 39-year-old will be appointed well before that date. Speaking after Sporting's Portuguese Cup win on Tuesday, Amorim said: 'Nobody knows if it was my last match. It's something still not decided … When and if I take that decision I will say it.'
Meanwhile, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy spoke ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City. Reflecting on Erik ten Hag's sacking, Van Nistelrooy said: 'It's mixed feelings – sad to see Erik go. He was the one who got me here. Our first conversation was about his passion for Man Utd. He did everything for this club.'
Van Nistelrooy added: 'I'm asked to help the club – that's the reason I'm here, to help, to build. That's where I take pride in leading the team today. We are to stabilise and go out for training and get to work.' He emphasised the importance of 'passion and energy' to inspire the squad and the fans.
