The representative of highly-rated Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has finally addressed the swirling speculation linking his client to the now-vacant managerial post at Manchester United.
This comes in the immediate aftermath of United's decision to part ways with Dutch boss Erik ten Hag, just two days after he led the club to a dramatic FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City.
Agent Breaks Sporting's Silence
In a significant development, Amorim's agent, Raul Costa, has broken the official silence from the Portuguese club's camp. Speaking to Portuguese newspaper Record, Costa confirmed that Manchester United have not made any formal contact regarding the 39-year-old manager.
"There is nothing, absolutely nothing," Costa stated emphatically. He further clarified that neither he nor Amorim had received any approach from the English giants. This public statement is a direct response to the intense media frenzy in the UK, which had positioned Amorim as a leading candidate for the role following Ten Hag's dismissal.
The End of the Ten Hag Era at Old Trafford
The managerial change at United was confirmed on Tuesday, marking a swift and somewhat surprising end to Erik ten Hag's tenure. Despite the high of winning the FA Cup at Wembley, the club's hierarchy, led by new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, decided a change was necessary.
United finished a disappointing eighth in the Premier League, their lowest position in the modern era, which ultimately proved fatal for the manager. The decision was communicated to Ten Hag shortly after the Wembley final, concluding a two-year spell that also included a Carabao Cup win in his first season.
What Next for United's Managerial Hunt?
With Amorim's agent publicly stating there has been no contact, the search led by United's football leadership, including new technical director Jason Wilcox, appears wide open. Other names like Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, and Gareth Southgate are also circulating in the rumour mill.
Amorim himself remains under contract with Sporting until 2026, having just led them to a Portuguese league title. Any move for him would command a significant release fee, reported to be in the region of €20 million (£17.1 million). For now, the Portuguese coach, who was previously linked with Chelsea and Liverpool, is not actively in negotiations for the United job, despite being a favourite with many bookmakers.
The coming days are expected to bring more clarity as United's new sporting structure begins its first major task: appointing a manager to restore the club to its former glory.
