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When Man United realised Ruben Amorim could replace Erik ten Hag – and it was before West Ham
Manchester United realised Ruben Amorim was in reach a matter of weeks before they sacked Erik ten Hag.
The latter was relieved off his services less than 24 hours after the Red Devils' 2-1 away defeat by West Ham United. However, United were already making inroads into the former Sporting Lisbon boss two weeks before Ten Hag's reign was cut short.
Amorim, who inspired his former side to a resounding 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester City in his final home match, was announced as United manager five days after Ten Hag's sacking. But the groundwork for his arrival was being laid while the Dutchman was in situ.
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Speaking on the 'It's Called Soccer' podcast, journalist David Ornstein said United knew Amorim was in reach "a couple of weeks" before they sacked Ten Hag. On October 28, Manchester Evening News revealed that Amorim had verbally agreed to take over the club.
Two days later, United agreed a deal with Sporting that saw them pay an £8.3 million release clause, before officially unveiling him as manager on November 1. The Portuguese giant's trouncing victory over City was Amorim's final home match as Sporting manager.
His final game in charge of the Primeira Liga leaders will be their away clash against his former side Braga. Ruud van Nistelrooy has two matches left as interim manager - the visit of PAOK Athens in the Europa League and the home clash against Leicester City.
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Amorim's first match as United manager will be the away trip to Ipswich Town on November 24, after the international break. United's recent 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea saw them move up to 13th in the Premier League table.
The Portuguese boss will also inherit a United side who are in the quarter-finals of the League Cup. United fans who watched his former team's emphatic victory over City may be growing excited at the prospect of Amorim repeating his brilliance with the current crop of players.
But the 39-year-old was quick to pour cold water over any instant optimism, telling supporters they should not expect these kinds of performances straight away. After the match, he said: "What I can tell you is that this [result] doesn't mean anything in particular - don't take anything from this.
"We cannot transport one reality to another. Manchester United cannot play the way we play and we will have to adapt.
"It's misleading, we were very lucky today. But the feeling with my players, the way they celebrate with the fans was very special.
"I take this with me but when I arrive to the Premier League it is a different world, different pressure. It will be fun, very fun, and I'm ready for the challenge"
