Manchester United are pushing for Ruben Amorim to become their new manager as soon as possible after the Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag following the defeat to West Ham Pep Guardiola is confident Ruben Amorim will thrive in the Premier League with Man Utd Pep Guardiola reckons Ruben Amorim is ready for the challenge of Manchester United and the step up to the Premier League.

United are closing in on the appointment of Amorim, after Sporting Lisbon confirmed their willingness to meet his PS8.3million release clause. Amorim's move is set to be confirmed in the coming days, with United pushing for him to start as soon as possible on a three-year deal with a PS6m-a-year salary.

Manchester City boss Guardiola paid Amorim a glowing tribute, with the two set to face each other next week in Lisbon in the Champions League.

Amorim may already be in charge of United by then, with Guardiola in no doubt the 39-year-old - who he will face in the Manchester derby on December 15 - is ready for the move to England.

"I spoke with Matheus Nunes - he was his player - and he speaks highly about him. And this season he's unbeaten and winning all the games in the Portuguese League and the Champions League, with the same points as us.

"So he's a high manager. I have the feeling that United, from what I hear, if they're thinking about him, it's because he's a good manager. United don't appoint managers who aren't at that level, so after five, six or seven years, we cannot say he is not able to lead United.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City face Sporting Lisbon next week ( Image:

Asked if it was too soon for Amorim to lead a club the size of United, Guardiola said: "Why so quick? Why is it a problem? I started at Barcelona at 37-years-old, coming into the fourth division. So knowledge is knowledge.

"If you are able, it doesn't matter. For that reason, Lamine Yamal could not play football at 17-years-old, right? So you have to wait until he's 24. There are players who ate 56 or 57 who aren't able to be managers. So what's important is talent. If you're good, it doesn't matter the age."

Ruben Amorim has won two Portuguese league titles with Sporting Lisbon ( Image:

United host Leicester tonight in the EFL Cup, in their first game since Erik ten Hag's sacking on Monday, with interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy taking charge.

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