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The Sporting Lisbon manager is edging closer to becoming the new Manchester United manager.

Ruben Amorim was never under viewed as a possibility to become the next Manchester City manager, ManchesterWorld have been told.

The 39-year-old is in the frame to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United boss after he was sacked on Monday. United have identified the Portuguese manager as their prime candidate, with Thomas Frank, Julian Nagelsmann and Xavi previously under consideration.

A move for Amorim has, in some quarters, been seen as United poaching Pep Guardiola's possible long-term replacement. Reports in recent weeks had claimed Amorim could be in line to become the new City boss, especially with Hugo Viana set to take up a role at the Etihad from next summer.

The current sporting director at Sporting Lisbon has a long-established relationship with Amorim, with the pair helping to guide the Portuguese club to a first league title in 19 years in 2021.

While Amorim is considered one of the brightest young managers in the world, and was also spoken to by Liverpool as a possible replacement for Jurgen Klopp last season, City have never entertained serious thoughts about hiring him.

Primarily, that is because Guardiola is still in situ at the Etihad. No decision has been made on his long-term future yet, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. The Catalan has not committed either way on whether he'll remain or leave at the end of the season, but there's a growing feeling that a decision is imminent.

Another factor in City not considering Amorim is that his style contrasts with that of Guardiola, with the current Sporting boss favouring a 3-4-3 system. For City to adopt such a tactic would likely result in a major overhaul of players in the transfer market.

Vincent Kompany, Xabi Alonso and Michel have all been reported as possible candidates when Guardiola does eventually leave the club.