The decision about my future is close

Ruben Amorim expects clarification on his future soon as he remains linked with the vacant head coach role at Manchester United.

The Sporting coach suggested a decision would be made after Friday night’s Primeira Liga match against Estrela.

“It’s a negotiation between two clubs, it’s never easy,” the 39-year-old said at a pre-match press conference when asked about joining Old Trafford. “Even with the clauses it is never easy, they have to talk and we will get clarification after the match, that will be very clear.

“So tomorrow is one more day after the match and then we will make a decision.

“The soap opera is coming to an end. The fact that I cannot be so clear causes a lot of problems for me.”

Amorim discusses his future

In the meantime, Ruud van Nistelrooy remains in charge of Man Utd on an interim basis and is dodging questions about Amorim, instead focusing on his own role ahead of Sunday’s home game against Chelsea.

“I said it would be a short job as an interim,” said Van Nistelrooy. “That was communicated very clearly and I was happy with that. I felt I was being called upon to help the club move forward in this situation.”

“I just think about preparing the team for every game. That’s the process I’m in. I’m in this position for the short term, so I’m really only thinking about one thing: doing the best we can for every game coming up.

“There is now a big one against Chelsea.”

Sporting’s statement

Earlier this week, Sporting informed the Portuguese Securities Market Commission of Man Utd’s interest.

In a statement they said: “Manchester United FC has expressed interest in hiring coach Rúben Amorim, and the board of directors of Sporting SAD referred to the terms and conditions set out in the employment contract in force between the company and the coach , specifically for the relevant termination clause and for an amount of € 10,000,000.00.

“Manchester United FC has expressed an interest in paying the amount of the said clause to Sporting SAD.”