Reporter's Notebook: The impressive Ruben Amorim mastered the spotlight during heated questioning | Football News

The glint in his eyes and the mood music suggest that a deal is going to happen – and soon.

For Sporting it was a clear and routine win on the pitch over Nacional on Tuesday.

Will Ruben Amorim's move to Manchester United be just as routine? It appears so, although the man himself didn't reveal too much when I attended his post-match press conference in Lisbon.

I was keen to see him off the sidelines.

The Manchester United manager is mostly used to being in the spotlight in good times and bad – and he's clearly good at it, as he speaks perfect English.

He handled tough questions well. It was impressive.

He answered 15 questions in Portuguese, some of which got heated, but he gave the journalists the same answers I gave, namely that we all have to wait for things to become clear. He said it was his decision as the clubs had agreed on a deal if he wanted to leave.

When I asked him whether he would be in the dugout at Old Trafford on Sunday or not, he said: “I'll be here” and I said: “Are you sure?”

He smiled and replied, “I don’t know.”

So he showed a little humor and revealed a lot without saying much. He respected both the Sporting fans and Manchester United. A smart move.

Interestingly, he didn't wave to fans after the game, but there will be a full stadium here on Friday, so a deal with United could potentially be done and he can then say goodbye.

Does he want to take on the challenge from Manchester United? Of course he does. He is ambitious and there is a lot of money involved.

It would appeal to anyone's ego to work for United.

It could happen pretty quickly. And this is a man who seems ready for the spotlight.

Sunday, November 3rd, 4:00 p.m

Kick-off is 4:30 p.m

Why Sporting coach Amorim could be the right one for Man Utd

Adam Bate from Sky Sports:

It had long been inevitable that Ruben Amorim would take on one of the biggest jobs in Europe. Winning the title with Sporting in 2021 at the age of 36 was the guarantee. Repeating that feat last season only highlighted his abilities as a coach.

Sporting recognized very early on that this was a special talent and famously paid a high release clause after his spectacular start in Braga. They rely on his tactical mind, his passionate commitment as a player, but above all on the strength of his personality.

Speaking to a range of Portuguese coaches, some of whom have beaten Amorim in his home country, we will explore his rise, what makes him so impressive as a coach and, most importantly, whether this will translate to his next job.

Read Adam Bate's Ruben Amorim analysis here.

Man Utd's next six games

• October 30th: Leicester (h) 7.45pm, Carabao Cup – Live on Sky Sports
• November 3rd: Chelsea (h) 4.30 p.m., Premier League – Live on Sky Sports
• November 7th: PAOK (h) 8 p.m., Europa League
• November 10th: Leicester (h) 2pm, Premier League
• November 24th: Ipswich (a) 4:30pm, Premier League – Live on Sky Sports
• November 28th: Bodo/Glimt (h) 8 p.m., Europa League