Rúben Amorim makes joke about Man Utd 'interest' after Liverpool and West Ham sagas
Rúben Amorim could yet move to the Premier League this summer despite his failure to land the Liverpool job. Sporting CP boss Amorim emerged as the strong favorite to replace Jürgen Klopp after Xabi Alonso decided to stay with Bayer Leverkusen.
Amorim insisted he did not hold talks with the Reds, with Arne Slot now set to take over from Klopp at Anfield. But the Portuguese did fly to England to speak to West Ham about becoming its next manager.
He later apologized to Sporting supporters and admitted the trip was a 'mistake'. West Ham has since confirmed David Moyes will leave at the end of the season, with Julen Lopetegui expected to be named as his replacement, reports BBC Sport.
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Yet Amorim's future remains the source of much speculation amid continued links to Manchester United. He has been touted as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag, whose future is unclear after a below-par campaign.
The Sporting boss remained coy about his plans past this season ahead of his side's clash with Estoril, but did afford himself a joke at his own expense. "We can’t control what happens in the future, but I’m very focused on Sporting, on the job. I certainly won’t be catching another plane to England! The mistakes I’ve made in the past I won’t make in the future," he said.
“You don’t even know if you’ll continue in your jobs, if you might get an offer. My focus is on Sporting and we’re preparing for next season. The quality of the team and the players also helps. I’m Sporting’s coach and I don’t focus on rumors.”
England boss Gareth Southgate remains the favorite for the United job, should new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe decide to part ways with Ten Hag. Southgate's contract runs until the end of 2024, with decision expected on his future until the end of this summer's European Championships.
Liverpool.com says: It appeared for a long time that Amorim would be Liverpool's next boss and many fans had seemingly warmed to his potential appointment. It looks as though Slot will get the job instead but you would expect Amorim to manage in the Premier League sooner rather than later. It is unclear if he would be targeted by Manchester United to replace Ten Hag this summer but the Portuguese will not rush into any talks after his West Ham failure.