Manchester United are interested in appointing Sporting boss Ruben Amorim as their new manager and are willing to pay his 10m euros (£8.3m) release clause, the Portuguese club say.

The Red Devils need a new manager after sacking Erik ten Hag on Monday.

“Manchester United have expressed their interest in recruiting coach Ruben Amorim and have said they are ready to pay the 10 million euro release clause,” Sporting said in a statement to the Lisbon stock exchange on Tuesday.

Amorim, 39, is a highly regarded coach who has won two Portuguese league titles with Sporting – including their first in 19 years – since joining in 2020.

United have declined to comment on the reports.

Ten Hag was dismissed after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham left the club 14th in the Premier League with just three wins from their opening nine matches.

United are also 21st of 36 teams in the Europa League table, having drawn their three opening fixtures.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined the club as Ten Hag’s assistant last summer, has been named as interim manager and will take charge of Wednesday’s EFL Cup tie at home to Leicester City.

United’s next Premier League game is against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Portuguese manager Amorim said he was expecting a question about the Manchester United job but was not prepared to talk about it.

Amorim’s side face Nacional in the Portuguese League Cup on Tuesday evening.

European football expert Guillem Balague

Amorim would admit he is still adding layers of knowledge to his methods but he still believes football only makes sense if those watching are thrilled by it.

As well as those lessons from his former coach Jorge Jesus, Amorim looked closely at those who show a special quality as leaders, including Jose Mourinho.

He is, though, an enthusiast of spectacular, offensive football, with lots of goals, domination and control. He is a crowd pleaser.