Manchester United have opened talks to appoint Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim as their new head coach following the sacking of Erik ten Hag earlier today, according to The Athletic.

The 39-year-old former Braga manager is reportedly open to the move despite his team sitting atop the Primeira Liga after winning their first nine league games.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in charge of the club while negotiations to hire Amorim continues. United are prepared to trigger Amorim's EUR10 million release clause, but it remains to be seen whether Sporting will let him go in the middle of the season.

Amorim has rapidly emerged as one of Europe's most promising young managers, leading Sporting to domestic success in recent years.

He first emerged at Braga, where they took the punt on him managing the senior team, a massive jump from the youth ranks. But he thrived, stabilising them in the league and leading them to the Taca de Portugal.

Barely months into his first job, Sporting hired him and the risk paid off. He led the club to their first title in 19 years in his first full season and repeated the feat last term. The former Benfica midfielder has also added two more cup titles and a Super Cup to his resume.

His reputation for developing young talent and implementing an attacking style of play aligns with United's long-term vision.

While he was previously linked to Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham United, United have moved swiftly to secure his services.

Other underwhelming names were being mentioned in the press, like Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna, Graham, Potter, and Gareth Southgate, but United have elected to pursue an excellent option.

Amorim has been dubbed a young Jose Mourinho because of his achievements, but the similarities stop there. He does not cause division like the former Man United boss, and his approach is more attacking.