Man United are ready to 'battle with Man City for in-demand manager'... with Red Devils 'keen to be prepared' if Erik ten Hag is sacked

Manchester United are reportedly set to battle it out with Manchester City for an in-demand manager.

Pep Guardiola's contract at City is due to expire at the end of the season and he is yet to commit his long-term future to the club.

If the Spaniard leaves the Etihad next summer, it has been reported that Ruben Amorim would be strongly considered for the position after impressing in Portugal.

However, they will face competition from neighbours United, who are also interested in Amorim, according to Sky Germany.

The Red Devils 'have already made specific inquiries' for the Portuguese boss and want to be prepared if they decide to sack Erik ten Hag.

Erik ten Hag remains under pressure after Manchester United's poor start to the season

The Red Devils are reportedly interested in Ruben Amorim alongside rivals Man City

However, Ineos currently still trust the Dutchman despite the club's poor start to the season.

United have endured their worst start to a season after seven games – winning just twice and scoring five goals – which has ramped up the pressure on Ten Hag again.

Mail Sport exclusively revealed last week that Sporting's current director of football Hugo Viana has agreed a deal to take over from Txiki Begiristain at City next year, and Amorim has been linked with joining him in England.

But Amorim has denied that he has decided to follow Viana to the Premier League.'Hugo Viana and me, we have different and separate paths,' he told Cabine Desportiva.

'His appointment doesn’t mean that I’m going to Man City. We have a very good professional relationship.'

Sporting and City are due to meet in the Champions League next month, and Amorim revealed Viana will stay away from the team for that week, but does not expect his relationship with the former Newcastle player to change for the remainder of their time together in Portugal.

Pep Guardiola's contract at City is due to expire at the end of the season and he is yet to commit his long-term future to the club

'Nothing about Sporting has changed. Nothing. Everything remains the same until the end of the season,' he insisted.

'Obviously, Viana, during City's week, won't be available to enter the dressing room. I'm going to leave him out, to avoid conflicts. Otherwise, everything will stay the same until the end of the season.'

Amorim joined Sporting in 2020 and led them to their first league title since 2002 the following year.

He repeated the feat last season, and Sporting have made the perfect start to the current campaign, winning all eight league matches to open up a three-point lead at the top of the table.

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