Ruben Amorim's comments about Manuel Ugarte have worried Man Utd fans

Ruben Amorim's previous comments about Manuel Ugarte have emerged as the two look set to link up again at Manchester United.

Sporting have confirmed United's intention to bring Amorim in as replacement for Erik ten Hag after he was sacked, and it's now been widely reported that the Red Devils have agreed to pay his £8.3 million release clause after striking an agreement.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is serving as United's interim boss and took charge of a 5-2 Carabao Cup win over Leicester City on Wednesday. The Dutchman could end up being in the hot-seat for a little longer as it has been reported that Amorim manage three final games and remain in charge until November - during the next international break.

When he does take the job as expected, Amorim will reunite with one of his former players in Ugarte, who joined Sporting from fellow Portuguese club Famalicao for a fee of £4.5 million back in 2021.

The Uruguay international spent two years with Sporting, making 85 appearances before signing for Paris Saint-Germain in a €60 million switch in 2023.

Amorim immediately replaced Ugarte with Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand, activating his €18 million release clause. Many comparisons were drawn and in discussing the two, Amorim mentioned that his former star lacked in "the ability to read the game" and when it comes to being "well positioned".

"They are completely different characteristics", Amorim said, as per Metro.

‘Morten doesn’t have Ugarte’s ability to find players from all sides of the pitch with incredible speed. Morten has, and Ugarte didn’t have, the ability to read the game, anticipate moves and be well positioned.

"We have to adapt the team to the players we have and Morten will also adapt to our way of playing, to our high pressing."

Image: Getty

Amorim went on to say that although he "loves" both Ugarte and Joao Palhinha, he views Hjulmand as "the most complete player" in the role and he helped Sporting win the Primeira Liga last season.

Ugarte has struggled to get going in poor United side after signing from PSG in a £42 million deal and found himself on the bench for large spells.

But he impressed in the recent cup win over Leicester, with fans gaining hope that he could be an important player under a new manager that knows him well.