Chelsea visit has Sir Jim Ratcliffe racing against clock to make major Red Devils decision
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Chelsea travel to Manchester United on Sunday with their Premier League rivals currently recruiting a new manager.
Manchester United hope to appoint Ruben Amorim as manager in time to lead the side in this weekend's Premier League clash against Chelsea in a race against the clock following the sacking of Erik ten Hag on Monday.
Enzo Maresca takes his side to Old Trafford for the 4:30 pm kick-off on Sunday and the Blues are currently unsure whether they will face a Manchester United team under the stewardship of Amorim or interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy. The former Red Devils talisman will lead the side in Carabao Cup action against Leicester City on Wednesday night.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants new manager for Chelsea clash
Manchester United have agreed to pay the £8.3 million release clause to free Amorim from his duties at Sporting Lisbon. The Sun reports that the Portuguese coach and three of his backroom staff are expected to fly into Manchester today for advanced talks.
Sporting yesterday confirmed: “Manchester United have expressed their interest in recruiting coach Ruben Amorim and have said they are ready to pay the 10m euro release clause.”
The report adds that Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Amorim in charge for the fixture against Chelsea this weekend. However, that is believed to be a challenge for the club with just days to finalise contract agreements.
Ruben Amorim responds to Man Utd links
Amorim was asked about the Manchester United role following Sporting's 3-1 win over Nacional on Tuesday night. He said: "Manchester United is interested. But it's my choice. Until everything is decided, we won't be making any noise. I have nothing useful to say. I will take on whatever I want to do, as I have always done.
“I'm not going to talk about my contract, it's a matter between me and Sporting. All the clauses that exist in a contract are included by the employer and the employee. What I can say is that the statement contains all the necessary information. I can't promise anything. What I know is that I will be at training tomorrow and I will prepare for the game against Estrela da Amadora (on Friday).
“We have to wait a little bit more to explain everything I need to explain, then it will be very clear. It is my decision, we have to wait.”
Amorim's Sporting side have won all nine of their league games so far this season having claimed the Portuguese title last term. The coach has been backed by Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola to succeed in the Premier League.