Bruno Fernandes has spoken out on Liverpool target Ruben Amorim and Sporting boss’ links to the Manchester United job
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has spoken out on speculation linking Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim to take over at Old Trafford – and told Liverpool their top target would be a success in England. The rumours interrupt similar links to Liverpool, with claims that the Portuguese manager is among the Merseyside club’s top choices to replace Jurgen Klopp at the end of this year.
Current United manager Erik ten Hag’s future at the club is in doubt, with new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe refusing to publicly back the Dutchman. Ten Hag will remain at the club until the summer, when a concrete decision will be made on his future. With the Red Devils a disappointing sixth in the Premier League table, nine points away from the top four, the former Ajax manager will need a dramatic turnaround in form to keep his position.
United have reportedly put together a shortlist of top managerial targets, with Amorim a leading contender – though Gareth Southgate, Roberto di Zerbi, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have also been linked to the job. The Portuguese manager is contracted until the end of 2026, though he reportedly has a £17million release clause. He is also one of Liverpool’s first choices to take over from Klopp.
Fernandes, who left Sporting for Manchester United just two months before Amorim took charge, heaped praise on the Liverpool target and insisted he is ready to step up to the Premier League. Addressing the speculation around the 39-year-old’s future, Fernandes told SportTV: “If he really takes the next step – I hope he stays at Sporting – but if he takes the next step, I think all the qualities are there to be able to succeed in English, French, or Spanish football.
Ruben Amorim
“Obviously, we know that the Premier League is probably the most desired. The qualities [to succeed in England] are there and he has everything to take the next step, in my opinion.
“But it will depend on the clubs, the directors, whether they want to pay the Sporting’s release clause or not. There are many components, but I think that the manager Ruben Amorim is prepared for the next leap.”
Asked about United’s interest earlier in the season, Amorim said: “We don’t know the future, it depends on the results. It has more to do with the general idea of what we need as a team, extra pressure so we don’t hide.
