Reports: Sporting Lisbon superstars are unhappy with Ruben Amorim’s departure

Sporting players have not taken kindly to Ruben Amorim's planned move to Manchester United, with star attacker Viktor Gyokeres reportedly being particularly dissatisfied with his manager's choice. After Erik ten Hag was fired on Monday, 39-year-old Sporting manager Amorim—who is considered to be among the best young managers in European football—has become the obvious favorite to take over as Manchester United's new manager.

According to numerous reports, United has agreed to fully pay Amorim's £8.3 million release clause. The two clubs are believed to have reached an agreement for the highly regarded Portuguese player, and formal confirmation is anticipated in the days ahead.

Following Sporting's 3-1 victory over Nacional on Tuesday night, Amorim has been evasive about his future when speaking to the media and has maintained that nothing has been "decided." Amorim did acknowledge, though, that his potential departure would "undoubtedly" annoy Sporting's players, just as it did when he departed Braga in 2020.

Amorim has been validated, according to Portuguese publication O Jogo, as a number of players "questioned" their manager's choice during a tense meeting at the team's Alcochete training facility this week. Two months through the new season, Amorim's decision is said to have come at the worst possible time, leaving Sporting's players irritated and dissatisfied.

Viktor Gyokeres unhappy with Ruben Amorim’s exit from Sporting Lisbon

According to the article, Viktor Gyokeres and Morten Hjulmand, two important guys, are particularly irritated because they turned down lucrative offers in the summer to complete Amorim's project in Lisbon. Throughout the summer window, Gyokeres was reportedly the focus of intense interest from Arsenal and Manchester City, who are still being connected to the Sweden forward in anticipation of a possible deal this winter.

Gyokeres was a key player as Sporting easily won the 2023–24 Portuguese League, finishing 10 points ahead of the reigning champions, Benfica, in second place. The Sweden international piled up 43 goals across every major competition across a fantastic season and has carried off where he left off this season, netting 16 times in 15 outings.