Bruno Fernandes has made his feelings clear as Man Utd 'close on' Ruben Amorim

was among the players who publicly paid tribute to on Monday after the club announced his sacking. However, the Red Devils captain will privately be delighted with the reportedly planned appointment of Sporting's as his successor.

United are said to be to lure Amorim from Lisbon after parting ways with Ten Hag amidst a disastrous start to the season.

It's claimed the Old Trafford giants are prepared to pay the Portuguese tactician's £8.3million release clause, having been encouraged by his willingness to join.

In four years, Amorim has built a reputation as one of Europe's most highly-rated coaches at Sporting, lifting two league titles and two Taca da Liga - Portugal's equivalent to the Carabao Cup.

His side are on course to become the club's first to defend the Portuguese title in 70 years, having won all nine league matches so far, scoring 30 goals and conceding just twice.

And Fernandes - who joined United from Sporting in 2020 - has been one of many players and pundits to hail Amorim's impact in Lisbon.

While on international duty with Portugal earlier this month, the United captain said: "Since Mister Amorim arrived at Sporting, it has been one of the teams to play the best football.

"They have been consistent, the signings have been right, and they are in a very good moment. It's a very well-prepared team.

"Sporting was 20 years without winning trophies. Mr. Ruben came and won two [in his first season].

"Now will he be able to do the same in England or Spain or anywhere else? We'll never know until he gets there, but I'm sure that Mr. Ruben's qualities are there in everyone's eyes."

Fernandes will have played under five managers, including interims, at United once Ruud van Nistelrooy takes charge for Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash against Leicester City.

The 30-year-old was a crucial player for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, Ralf Rangnick and Ten Hag, earning the captaincy last year.

On Monday, he bid farewell to Ten Hag with a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing: "Thanks for everything, boss!

"I appreciate the trust and the moments we share together. I wish you all the best.

"Even knowing the last period hasn't been great from all of us, I hope you fans can keep with you the good things Erik has done for our club."

Fernandes would undoubtedly relish the opportunity to work with his fellow countryman, Amorim, though. That could soon become a reality.