Ruben Amorim will not start his tenure at Manchester United on the planned day, it has been revealed.
The Portuguese has signed a contract until 2027 and will replace Erik ten Hag after his dismissal following a poor start to the new season. The deal was agreed on November 1 but as part of an arrangement with Sporting CP, the 39-year-old saw out his notice period with the club and signed off with a stunning 4-2 comeback win over former club Braga.
Amorim, who led his side to a 4-1 trouncing of Manchester City in the Champions League, was scheduled to start his new job in England on November 11.
But The Telegraph say he is unable to officially start on that date due to delays in regards to a work permit.
The relevant paperwork for his “International Sportsperson” visa hasn’t been completed in time, but there is no major concern for United as a decision from the UK Government is expected “within five working days”.
However, it does been that, as it stands, he will not be able to take to the Carrington training pitch with the players not away on international duty until all formalities are done and that is likely to happen at the end of the week.
Amorim is expected to bring key members of his backroom staff to United and there are question marks over whether Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain on the coaching team.
The former United striker returned to the club as an assistant to Ten Hag in the summer and enjoyed an unbeaten run as interim manager.
Ruben Amorim’s first day at Manchester United is set to be delayed. Image: Getty
Under contract until 2026, the Dutchman expects to hear about his future in the next couple of days.
“I think it is important to know your role and then things can work,” Van Nistelrooy said after a 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday moved United up to 13th.
“The first months in my role as assistant, I did my role, I know how to support others and as an interim you have to take your responsibility
“I appreciated the clear communication of the club, it was an interim spell for a short term, it could have been one or two, they kept me in the loop, it was four, for me it was important to have that clarity.
“For me the most important thing is the football club and I am here to support that and I want to continue that. Also the communication was after the block of four, there will be communication towards you and your colleagues.”