Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim is “impossible” to take the Manchester United job in January, according to Eduardo Barroso, because United “need to” keep him.

The speculation that United is looking for a new manager is never ending. After his first season in charge, the Red Devils would have thought they had a manager in Erik ten Hag who could lead them back to the top.

Indeed, the former Ajax manager finished third in the league, up from sixth the previous season under Ralf Rangnick, and won the League Cup.

However, some dubious signings, such as Andre Onana and Mason Mount, have been followed by some poor performances, with United only moving up to sixth place after a 1-0 win over Luton last time out.

There have also been some off-field issues, such as Jadon Sancho being kicked out of the first-team by the manager due to a bitter feud.

Ten Hag’s days are numbered as a result of that concoction of problems.

Jermaine Jenas is the latest pundit to speculate that the manager is in jeopardy, claiming that he’s “not seen anything” from the Dutchman that suggests he’s “the right man to take them in the right direction.”

Sporting manager Amorim has been mentioned as a possible replacement, but he has remained tight-lipped about the situation, stating that he is “not going to make any comment” on a potential move to United.

Amorim’s Sporting side is playing very well, which is why he has been linked to the big Premier League job. Indeed, they are currently second in Liga Portugal to Benfica, with a goal difference of just two.

Sporting are also likely to advance to the Europa League knockout stages, as they are currently second in their group and three points ahead of third.

According to Barroso, this is precisely why the club must retain their manager.

“We need to keep the coach and the players who are already there.” Rben Amorim to join Manchester United? “I don’t think he’ll leave in December; it’s impossible,” he said to Leonino.

While the December hire date seems unlikely, if United sticks with Ten Hag until the summer and decides things aren’t working, there’s a better chance Amorim will be available.

Indeed, while Sporting appear to dislike losing him, they would not have their season derailed and would have plenty of time to find a replacement.

Furthermore, while it has been suggested that it is impossible due to the Portuguese side’s desire to keep their boss, Amorim does want the move.

That being said, if United approached him now or in the future, he could express his desire to leave.

With the Manchester club almost certain to be able to pay out his contract, Sporting may be forced to let him go.

It remains to be seen whether he can succeed at United, but he’s been a top manager recently, so he appears to be a good option for them to recruit if they want to get rid of Ten Hag.