'It is a betrayal' – Ruben Amorim accused of breaking promise by signing Man United deal

The former vice president of Sporting CP has accused Ruben Amorim of "betraying" the club by agreeing to join Manchester United.

Negotiations between Sporting and United are reportedly in the final stages after the Reds agreed to pay Amorim's £8.3million release clause following Erik ten Hag's departure on Monday. The news has ruffled feathers at Sporting, with key players Viktor Gyokeres and Morten Hjulmand allegedly confronting the manager during Wednesday's training session about the situation.

Several stars were reportedly convinced to stay at Sporting in the summer on the premise that Amorim would also be sticking around. As such, the 39-year-old coach has now been accused of hypocrisy.

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Former Sporting leader Jose Dias Ferreira took criticism to the next level, insisting Amorim was "stabbing" the club "in the back". Speaking to Portuguese outlet Sic Noticias, he said: "I have great admiration for Ruben Amorim... for everything he did for Sporting, [but] his departure leaves me disappointed.

"As a Sporting fan, I can truly say that it is a betrayal. Because betrayal is not just stabbing someone in the back. Betrayal is not fulfilling promises, commitments or principles."

The 'promise' Ferreira is alluding to is reportedly one made by Amorim to the club in the summer, committing to stay and compete for a consecutive Primeira Liga title following interest from the likes of Liverpool and West Ham. Last season, Sporting secured their fourth league title since 1982, and their second under Amorim's leadership.

For decades,