Ruben Amorim is in advanced talks to take charge of Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Ruben Amorim has built a reputation as one of the finest young coaches in European football since taking charge of Sporting in 2020, with fans, pundits and former team-mates falling over themselves to praise the manager.

The 39-year-old now finds himself within touching distance of the Manchester United job, just the latest step in an extraordinary and meteoric rise for a special talent with the world at his feet.

Sporting confirmed this afternoon that United had signalled their intention to pay Amorim’s ?10million (£8.3m) release clause in full in order to secure his services at Old Trafford.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will take over the reins from Erik ten Hag on an interim basis for the time being, though, with the Red Devils taking on Leicester City for a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals tomorrow night.
While Amorim has remained tight-lipped amid the intense speculation, it seems every man and his dog have voiced their opinions on the manager’s impending switch, including Peter Schmeichel, who views the Portuguese as a ‘great candidate’.

Iconic ex-United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is another known admirer of Amorim and shared a close bond with his fellow countryman during their time together with the Portuguese national team.

According to Portuguese football expert Marcus Alves, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner even came up with an affectionate nic...