Manchester United are set to secure a significant discount if they appoint Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag's replacement in the coming days. Amorim has reportedly agreed to become the Red Devils' new boss after Ten Hag's two-and-a-half-year reign ended at Carrington on Monday morning.
It's claimed that United chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth informed the Dutchman of the unanimous decision in the wake of Sunday's 2-1 defeat at West Ham United.
And INEOS have clearly been moving behind the scenes to form a contingency plan, with Amorim emerging as the likely successor just hours after his dismissal was confirmed.
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Initial concerns had been raised that the overall cost of switching managers just months after strongly backing Ten Hag would surpass £30million.
United are believed to have handed the 54-year-old a payout worth around £13.5m, having extended his contract until 2026 in the summer.
Amorim's release clause was reportedly £16.6m after growing his reputation as one of Europe's most highly rated coaches at Sporting.
However, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, United are one of seven clubs for which the clause is £8.3m - half that price.
It's claimed that Liverpool, Manchester City, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also entitled to the palatable agreement.
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The concept of Sir Jim Ratcliffe spunking over £20m to enforce a change in the dugout just months after sanctioning Ten Hag's stay remains a black mark next to his name.
United's new INEOS overlords have sanctioned questionable decisions at the dawn of their stewardship over the club's football operations.
Allowing a manager who oversaw the club's lowest Premier League finish (eighth) and worst-ever Champions League campaign to keep his job on the back of one momentous result was, in hindsight, a miscalculation.
But there is an overwhelming sense of relief in the air rather than regret as supporters prepare to usher in a new era at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes was among United's players to pay tribute to Ten Hag on social media on Monday after the squad learned of his sacking on WhatsApp at the same time as the public announcement.
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However, the Red Devils captain will undoubtedly be relishing the opportunity to work with Amorim, a Portuguese compatriot.
Earlier this month, while on international duty, Fernandes hailed the 39-year-old, saying: "Since Mister Amorim arrived at Sporting, it has been one of the teams to play the best football.
"They have been consistent, the signings have been right, and they are in a very good moment. It's a very well-prepared team.
"Sporting was 20 years without winning trophies. Mr. Ruben came and won two [in his first season].
"Now will he be able to do the same in England or Spain or anywhere else? We'll never know until he gets there, but I'm sure that Mr. Ruben's qualities are there in everyone's eyes."
