"I was already expecting this question" - Ruben Amorim responds to speculation linking him with Manchester United as Ten Hag's replacement

Ruben Amorim has insisted he's happy at Sporting CP despite growing talk of the Portuguese coach replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. The Red Devils are in the managerial market after dismissing the Dutch coach.

Ten Hag was sacked on Monday (October 28) after the Reds' 2-1 loss to West Ham United. This left them 14th in the Premier League, his team's fourth defeat in nine league games.

Amorim's stock has grown in European football, and he's one of the most highly sought-after tacticians. He's overseen 161 wins in 227 games at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, guiding Sporting to two Liga Portugal titles.

The 39-year-old was asked about Manchester United and the possibility of succeeding Ten Hag. He responded (via mufcMPB):

"I was already expecting this question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment. I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all."

Amorim was linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer when Chelsea and West Ham were searching for a new coach. However, he opted against replacing David Moyes at the London Stadium and instead apologised to Sporting.

Leoes have made an excellent start to the season under Amorim, sitting top of Liga Portugal with nine wins from nine games. He's earned plaudits during his reign for the exciting brand of football implemented using a 3-4-3 formation.

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Manchester United could face competition from Manchester City for Amorim: Reports

Pep Guardiola may decide to leave Manchester City next summer (Image - Getty)

Manchester United may need to move quickly to appoint Amorim, who has attracted interest across Europe. Manchester City are reportedly monitoring the Portuguese as a potential Pep Guardiola successor.

The Guardian reports that City is seriously considering Amorim to replace Guardiola. The Spaniard's contract expires in the summer, and he could decide to end his lengthy reign at the Etihad.

Amorim would be joined by a familiar face at City, Hugo Viana, the Sporting director who will take up the same role with the Cityzens' next summer. They worked closely together in Portugal and could link up in England.

Manchester United have placed Ruud van Nistelrooy in caretaker charge while they search for a permanent Ten Hag replacement. The iconic Dutchman could see out the season unless they move for Amorim now. They will need to trigger his reported £12.8 million release clause, which decreases in 2025.