Manchester United managerial target Ruben Amorim was coy over talk on taking the job at Old Trafford after Erik ten Hag was sacked.
The Dutchman was axed on Monday after a shocking start to the season that has left the Red Devils 14th in the Premier League.
Sunday proved to be the final straw after a last-gasp defeat to West Ham where Jarrod Bowen scored a controversial penalty that saw United lose 2-1.
But poor results elsewhere worked against Ten Hag, including three draws in the Europa League from winning positions and hefty defeats to Tottenham and Liverpool.
United sporting director Dan Ashworth will lead the search for a successor to Ten Hag and several candidates have already been linked.
They include Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate, Thomas Frank and Sporting boss Amorim.
The Portuguese coach has been tipped for a big future in the sport and has even been linked with Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s contract expires at the end of the season and the 39-year-old is the favourite to take over after City snapped up sport director Hugo Viana from Sporting.
But United could race ahead of City to pinch him off their rivals, though Amorim poured cold water on any imminent move.
Speaking in a press conference on Monday, Amorim said: “I was already expecting this question and obviously, I’m not going to talk about the future.
“Because otherwise, I’ll always have to comment. I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”
United posted a brief statement on the decision to axe Ten Hag on Monday morning, stating that former player Ruud van Nistelrooy will take over as caretaker.
Time has run out on Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford
Reuters
A statement read: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.
“Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
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Erik ten Hag has been axed by United after winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup
PA
“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.
“Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”