Bruno Fernandes says he believes Ruben Amorim is ‘ready for the next challenge’ and has ‘all the qualities’ needed to do well in the Premier League amid speculation of Sporting boss being linked with Manchester United.
United find themselves struggling in sixth place in the English top flight and there are doubts about Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman’s future likely depending on the club’s performance in the FA Cup – their last chance for a trophy this season.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not publicly backed Ten Hag’s position after his £1.3billion takeover at Old Trafford and it’s understood the Red Devils’ hierarchy have prepared a list of potential managers if the 54-year-old is sacked.
Sporting head coach Amorim reportedly has many admirers at the Theatre of Dreams, while Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi have also been linked to the position recently.
After guiding Sporting to the Primeira Liga title and two Portuguese League Cups, Amorim, 39, is seen as one of the best young managers in European football and it’s clear Fernandes is a big supporter of his fellow countryman.
‘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,’ Fernandes – who left Sporting for United just two months before Amorim took charge – told SportTV.
‘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.
According to Fernandes, there are numerous factors involved in any manager changing club – but he is certain Amorim has what it takes to thrive at the top.
‘There are many components,’ the United captain added.
‘But I think that the manager Ruben Amorim is prepared for the next leap.’
Amorim is under contract at Sporting until the summer of 2026 and reportedly has a €20million (£17m) release clause in his Lisbon contract.
Asked about United’s interest earlier this season, Amorim was cagey about his future but emphasized that he had not discussed the possibility of replacing Ten Hag.
‘We don’t know the future, it depends on the results,’ he said at a press conference in November.
‘It has more to do with the general idea of what we need as a team, extra pressure so we don’t hide.
‘Regarding the future, I have an idea for the end of the season but I won’t say it now. But the results and the context take us to something different.
‘I prefer not to discuss these matters. Manchester United has not reached out to me.’
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