- Amorim is expected to take over at United following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag
- The Red Devils are currently in fourteenth place in the Premier League
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Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has made his prediction of what Ruben Amorim can realistically achieve if he takes over as manager.
Sporting Lisbon confirmed in a statement to the market on Tuesday afternoon that they have been approached by the Premier League giants, who want to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag with their highly rated young coach.
The note added that United had ‘expressed an interest’ in paying the 39-year-old’s release clause.
Mail Sport announced on Tuesday that Amorim has a notice period of ‘a number of weeks instead of days’.
Should Man United manage to push through a deal to secure Amorim ahead of Sunday’s match against Chelsea, the 39-year-old would take charge of a team languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.
Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is expected to become Man United’s next manager
The Red Devils are currently in 14th place in the early Premier League standings
The Red Devils are currently seven points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa and the automatic Champions League qualification places.
With just nine games left in the Premier League season, Amorim could have time to help Man United close the gap.
However, Man United legend Scholes has suggested that a top-four finish appears unrealistic for Amorim given the club’s current malaise.
“At best, Manchester United could finish fourth in the league,” Scholes said on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky bet.
“It’s very difficult to see that happening at the moment, you would probably say sixth place [is more realistic].’
In addition to the Premier League, Man United could focus on qualifying for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.
The Red Devils have drawn their first three games in the competition and are 21st in the Europa League standings.
Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the club’s Carabao Cup match against Leicester City on Wednesday evening.
Man United legend Paul Scholes believes a sixth-place finish would be realistic for the club
Should no agreement be reached on an earlier termination of Amorim’s contract with Sporting, he will not be in the dugout when United play Chelsea on Sunday.
The prospect is that Amorim, who has won two league titles in Portugal, cannot take charge until United travel to Ipswich Town on November 24.
After facing Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, Man United will face Leicester again on November 10.
After that match there will be a two-week international break before the trip to Portman Road, with kick-off televised on Sunday at 4.30pm.
Paul Scholes spoke about The Overlap Fan Debate podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.