Ruben Amorim receives green light from Erik ten Hag's Man United 'transfer target'

Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha has insisted Manchester United find themselves in safe hands with Ruben Amorim ahead of the Portuguese head coach's arrival at Old Trafford.

Palhinha initially worked with Amorim when the midfielder was loaned to Braga. The incoming United manager was initially hired as Braga's B team coach before making the upgrade to their first-team.

Amorim spent just four months as Braga's manager before making the switch to Sporting in March 2020. Palhinha's loan spell at Braga ended in July 2020 and from that moment he was integrated into the Lisbon club's first team before making the switch to Fulham two years later.

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While in the Premier League, the defensive midfielder gained plenty of interest including reportedly from Erik ten Hag. United were searching for a player in Palhinha's position during pre-season and eventually signed PSG's Manuel Ugarte - another of Amorim's former players.

As for Palhinha, he moved to Bayern Munich where he is starting to integrate himself as a first-team regular. Ahead of the Bavarian club's Champions League tie with Benfica on Wednesday, the 29-year-old was quizzed about Amorim's impending departure from Lisbon to Manchester.

In the midfielder's opinion, there is little doubt that Amorim can be successful at United. "I had the opportunity to work with him," Palhinha explained.

"I have a lot of affection and wish him the best in the future. It’s a big step for him and he deserves it.

"As his former player and friend, I wish him the greatest success." Amorim will bid farewell to the Sporting fans tonight when they host Manchester City in the Champions League however his last game in charge of the Lisbon team will fittingly take place away at Braga on Sunday.