West Ham insider reveals real reason for Ruben Amorim snub as Man Utd appointment looms
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West Ham opted against appointing Ruben Amorim back in the summer because they felt he'd be a 'gamble', according to reports.
The 39-year-old is on the verge of leaving Sporting Lisbon for Manchester United in the wake of the Red Devils' decision to part ways with Erik ten Hag.
Back in the summer, following the departure of David Moyes, West Ham considered appointing Amorim.
The Portuguese boss was seen travelling to London for talks but, in the end, the Hammers opted to give the job to Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham opted against appointing Ruben Amorim back in the summer because they felt he'd be a 'gamble'
REUTERS
At the time, reports say West Ham were reluctant to meet Amorim's huge £8.3million release clause. United, for their part, have now qualms about forking out the cash.
Yet a source has now told the Daily Mail that they felt hiring the Sporting boss would have been too much of a gamble given he's only managed one big club in his own country.
Amorim has never managed outside of Portugal. After retiring in 2016, he took charge of Casa Pia for a short spell two years later.
He then proceeded to work with Braga B before landing the top job at Braga, where he won 10 of his 13 games in charge.
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Since being given the keys to Sporting in 2020, however, he's established himself as one of the best managers on the planet.
Amorim has guided the club to two league titles, as well as two domestic cup triumphs.
And it's now only a matter of time before he arrives at United, with the Red Devils hopeful he'll be in charge for Sunday's visit of Chelsea.
United have also been linked with Marco Silva, Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate, Thomas Frank and Edin Terzic.
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But it's Amorim they want, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the rest of the Red Devils hierarchy confident he can steady the ship following a dire start to the season.
Amorim was quizzed on speculation that he's already agreed to join United on Tuesday night.
He opted to remain coy, however, saying: "We have to wait a little bit more to explain everything I need to explain and then everything will be very clear.
"It's my decision. I will tell everything so we have to wait. That's it."
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West Ham decided to hire Julen Lopetegui over Ruben Amorim back in the summer
REUTERS
One manager linked with United earlier this season was Thomas Tuchel.
The German isn't in the running to take charge of the Red Devils, however, given he recently agreed to become England boss.
Many figures within the sport were astonished that United didn't swoop for the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss when he was available.
And Paul Scholes, speaking on the Overlap, has expressed a belief that United should have got Tuchel when they had the chance.
West Ham's loss looks set to be Man Utd's gain as the Red Devils close in on Ruben Amorim
REUTERS
“I think Thomas Tuchel was the right one to coach Manchester United, but obviously he’s gone now with England," he said.
"He’s someone that can manage an elite football club and win big games. He’s been there and done it."
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