Man United and Man City interested in Portuguese manager

Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England manager has ended speculation linking Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola with the role. 

The Spaniard is one of a number of candidates that have been linked with the role since Gareth Southgate resigned in the wake of the Three Lions’ European Championship defeat against Spain in July.

Tuchel’s appointment rules out the possibility of Guardiola taking charge of England next summer, although the Spaniard is still in the final year of his current deal.

Now, it has emerged that both City and one of their fiercest rivals are interested in a highly-rated manager.

According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, both Man City and rivals Manchester United are interested in Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim.

The 39-year-old is said to be a target for Man United, who are working to identify possible replacements for the under-pressure Erik ten Hag.

Amorim is regarded by many as one of the best managers in Europe

It is claimed that United have enquired about Amorim, although they do still have confidence in Ten Hag and aren’t currently planning on sacking the Dutchman.

Amorim took charge of Sporting in 2020 and has since guided the Portuguese side to two top flight titles, two League Cups and a Super Cup.

It is claimed that the Portuguese has no plans to leave Sporting in January and has huge aspirations for the club.

While his contract is set to expire in 2026, Plettenberg claims that his current deal does include a release clause that becomes active next summer.

While United are putting plans in place in case Ten Hag is dismissed, it is claimed that City have Amorim on a list of potential replacements in case Guardiola doesn’t extend his stay at The Etihad beyond next summer.