Comments made by Bruno Fernandes regarding Sporting Club de Portugal manager Ruben Amorim have resurfaced as Amorim appears to close in on the Manchester United job.
O Jogo cover the comments from Fernandes made earlier this year as negotiations continue between Sporting and Manchester United for Amorim.
He’s emerged as the favourite to succeed Erik ten Hag today and negotiations have progressed rapidly over the last few hours.
A delegation from Manchester United is in Lisbon negotiating for the 39-year-old coach and have already made it clear that they are willing to pay his release clause.
A deal for him is expected to be concluded in rapid time and Amorim could even be in charge for the weekend clash with Chelsea.
Should Amorim arrive at Old Trafford he will do so carrying a growing reputation on his back after an impressive few years in charge of the Portuguese club.
He’s won the Portuguese title twice in the last four years as well as the Portuguese League Cup and the Portuguese Super Cup as well as helping to develop a growing list of stars with an attractive brand of football.
His work has certainly not gone unnoticed, and Fernandes was keen to praise him earlier this year when asked about his successes.
“If he really takes the next step – I hope he stays at Sporting -, but if he takes the next step, I think the qualities are all there to be able to be successful in English, French, Spanish football…” O Jogo report him saying.
“As I said, I refer to all the championships, because they are all competitive and good. (He has) everything to take the next step, in my opinion, but it will depend on the clubs, directors, whether they want to pay the clause to Sporting or not that manager Rúben Amorim is prepared for the next leap.”