Frederico Varandas, Hugo Viana and Rúben Amorim have formed something of a trio of success during their time together at Sporting CP.
Amorim is likely the most important individual as manager, but he’s been strongly aided by sporting director Viana, who is set to join Manchester City. As is the way with Sporting, Varandas got his position via a vote from the club’s members and helped bring calm to a club which had gone through a wildly chaotic few years.
With Amorim on the verge of becoming Manchester United’s new manager, the media scrum in Lisbon has been off the charts. UK media have sent individuals to follow the show, and the local media have been using their knowledge to get ahead.
For example, Varandas, who previously had a strong military career and is a qualified doctor, enjoys a morning jog and then enters Sporting’s facilities.
Given the Manchester United drama, this time he was jumped on by the media who wanted to know more of what’s happening.
All Varandas had to say, as quoted by Mais Futebol, is: “It’s a beautiful morning.”
Amorim had arrived at Sporting’s training ground at 9am, and earlier reports today in Portugal have said Manchester United’s Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth remain in the city as they work to close a deal.
Sporting announced on Tuesday that Manchester United have informed them of an intention to execute Amorim’s €10m clause. However, there’s a 30-day notice period required, and it’s that, plus potentially as much as €5m in compensation for Amorim’s backroom staff, which is the current negotiating point.
