Over the past few years, Manchester City and Manchester United have often competed to sign the same player and rumours had suggested that both clubs also admired Ruben Amorim.
Guardiola commented on Ten Hag’s sacking after he was instructed to depart Old Trafford in his third season at the club.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Amorim has accepted a move to Manchester United, who are ready to pay his €10 million (£8.3 million) release clause; a move confirmed by Sporting as well.
Earlier this month, The Guardian first reported that Manchester City had identified Ruben Amorim as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola if he left the club in 2025; emphasising how highly they rate the 39-year-old.
It was reported less than two weeks ago that Amorim was keen on Manchester City as his next job after proving to be one of the world’s best young managers at Sporting.
A claim emerged on Tuesday that now, Manchester City’s feelings about Ruben Amorim are that they no longer view him as a “top candidate.”
- Is Pep Guardiola leaving Man City? Possible replacements, contract and all you need to know
Man United-bound Ruben Amorim to Man City links described as “pure speculation”
It has also been claimed that Manchester United have told Amorim that City will decline in any case if Pep Guardiola does not extend his contract and departs in the summer.
The retired midfielder is one of Europe’s most exciting managers and his spell at Sporting has impressed a club of United’s stature.
But journalist Mike Minay has revealed that Manchester City’s interest in Ruben Amorim was always “pure speculation” as Pep Guardiola is still at the helm and the club feel his philosophy does not align with theirs.
As a result, it seems like the decision-makers at the Etihad Stadium have given Manchester United a free run at appointing the Portuguese manager as their replacement for Erik ten Hag.
Pep Guardiola will now have to battle against yet another Manchester United manager after having faced Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ten Hag.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe described Manchester City as “the enemy” once when asked to pick between which club he prefers out of them, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Ratcliffe admitted Manchester City operate brilliantly behind the scenes and Manchester United “have a lot to learn” from them as well.
What Pep Guardiola said about Amorim is now interesting
Pep Guardiola praised Ruben Amorim after Manchester City were restricted to a 0-0 draw against Sporting in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 clash between both sides.
In the first leg, City had demolished the Liga Portugal giants 5-0, courtesy of a brace from Bernardo Silva as well as goals from Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden.
“They won the Portuguese league! Their manager [Ruben Amorim] is one of the best at the moment. His team is really good. But…Sporting Lisboa. Do you know what happened there? Five shots on target, five chances, five goals. 100%. ‘How good is the manager?’
“This season, we had these chances… 1-1 in Leipzig, ‘How much of a disaster is Man City? Ah, Leipzig is bad. It’s not a good team’. How many top teams are out in the Champions League? Everyone has to understand that the opponents also play!”
As it looks like Ruben Amorim is set to become Manchester United’s new manager, Pep Guardiola will be aware of how talented he is as a coach.
Manchester City will be hoping that Guardiola can stay ahead of the curve and continue to ensure Amorim is unable to bridge the gap between both clubs in the city.
It goes without saying that an elite competitor like the Spaniard will relish the competition.
