Sporting Lisbon are reportedly set to part ways with Ruben Amorim’s replacement just a month into his reign at the club.
After more than four years at Sporting, Amorim left the club last month to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
During his time in charge, Amorim secured Sporting’s first league title in more than two decades, before repeating the feat last season as speculation over a move to the Premier League intensified.
After Amorim left for pastures new, the club appointed former Portugal international Joao Pereira as his successor.
Pereira had previously managed the club’s reserve side and took charge of the first team on 11 November.
However, after winning just one of his first four league games, the club are reportedly on the verge of sacking the 40-year-old.
Joao Pereira will reportedly be sacked as Sporting Lisbon manager in the coming days
The 40-year-old, who had been in charge of Sporting’s reserve side, was promoted to first-team coach following the departure of Ruben Amorim.
However, since taking charge, the club have managed just one win in their last four league games
According to Portuguese outlet Record newsThe decision comes after the club’s poor recent form, which also included a 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal and a 2-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League.
The report states that club chiefs will meet with Pereira after the Christmas holidays, and that he is not expected to still be in charge when Sporting host Benfica on Sunday.
Despite a stumbling recent run under Pereira Sporting, he remains top of the Primeira Liga table, ahead of second-placed Porto on goal difference.
The club have also reached the quarter-finals of the Portuguese Cup after surviving a scare against Santa Clara on Wednesday to triumph in extra time thanks to a goal from star striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Meanwhile, Amorim has had a mixed start to life at Old Trafford.
After winning just one of his first four Premier League games at the club, Amorim led United to a dramatic Manchester derby victory against their bitter rivals last weekend.
However, any hopes that the result would be the turning point for the club’s worst ever start to a Premier League season were quickly dashed.
On Saturday, United were comprehensively defeated by Bournemouth, with the Cherries winning 3-0.
During his four years at Sporting, Amorim led the club to two league titles and two league cup victories
Amorim has subsequently had a difficult start at Manchester United since replacing Erik ten Hag
After the match, Amorim insisted there was ‘fear’ among his squad but vowed to continue his tactical rebuild.
“Right now everything is so difficult,” Amorim said. ‘When a club like Manchester United loses 3-0 at home, it is very difficult for everyone.
‘The fans are very disappointed and tired. You already feel it in the stadium during the first match. I understand that, but we have to face it. I felt it from the first minute, there is a lot of fear.
‘Everyone in the club is tired of these moments. We have to face it and focus on the next game.”