Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes can help fulfil his Ruben Amorim manager hope vs Liverpool

Sporting Lisbon have a healthy historic relationship with Manchester United having seen Marcos Rojo, Nani, Bruno Fernandes and, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo make the switch to England.

However, it’s fairly unlikely current Sporting manager Ruben Amorim will follow in their footsteps. “I have not been contacted by Manchester United," he said in November, effectively killing all speculation.

Erik ten Hag may well still be heading out of Old Trafford this summer depending how Sir Jim Ratcliffe deems his two-year tenure. Amorim instead looks most likely to join United’s fiercest rivals with Liverpool pivoting towards the 39-year-old upon Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

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Amorim, mooted to have a £17m release clause ion his contract, guided Sporting to their first Portuguese league title for 19 years in 2021 and currently sees his side leading the race for the domestic crown this season.

The move to Merseyside is far from a dead cert at this stage and a lot will need to be assessed and worked out, from both sides. Former Sporting star Fernandes last month said he believes Amorim is ready for the next level, but hopes he stays in Portugal.

The United skipper told reporters: “If he really takes the next step – I hope he stays at Sporting – but if he takes the next step, I think the qualities are all there to be able to succeed in English, French, or Spanish football.

“Obviously, we know that the Premier League is probably the most desired. The qualities [to succeed in England] are there. And he has everything to take the next step, in my opinion.

“But