Amorim promises Man U decision today

LISBON, Portugal:

Manchester United target Ruben Amorim has promised to clarify his future coaching plans after his Sporting Lisbon team plays a Portuguese league game on Friday evening.

Amorim spoke on Thursday at a news conference ahead of league-leading Sporting facing Estrela da Amadora. Sporting have started their title defence with nine straight wins.

"After the game tomorrow, we will have the decision made," Amorim said. "It will be very clear, so it's one more day."

The 39-year-old coach's growing reputation and two Portuguese league titles in four seasons attracted Man United, which fired Erik ten Hag on Monday with the team 14th in the English Premier League.

Sporting's statement to the Lisbon Stock Exchange said United were interested in paying the release clause in Amorim's contract worth EU10 million ($10.8 million).

"It is a negotiation between two clubs," Amorim said on Thursday. "It's never easy. Even with the clauses it's never easy, they have to talk."

Reports in English and Portuguese media suggest Amorim will move to Manchester during the next break for national team games. That would make his first Man United game on November 24 at Ipswich. - AP