MANCHESTER UNITED are nearing an agreement with Sporting Lisbon’s manager, Ruben Amorim, to take over as their new head coach.

According to The Athletic, discussions have ramped up on Monday evening, shortly after the club’s decision to dismiss Erik ten Hag. Reports suggest that Amorim has already given a verbal commitment to manage at Old Trafford, allowing the Red Devils to potentially outpace rivals Manchester City in securing his services.

Ten Hag was let go following a disappointing defeat to West Ham on Sunday. In the interim, Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped in as the acting manager ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup match against Leicester.

However, he might not lead the team into their league match against Chelsea next Sunday, as Amorim is a prime target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his associates. Amorim has previously achieved success in the Portuguese capital, winning two league titles during his tenure.