A handful of players will become surplus to requirements as a result, while those who are ageing might be at risk of exiting, with Amorim traditionally operating with a younger squad at Sporting. For example, the average age of his back three in Portugal was 21.

Incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has dropped a major hint over the tactical direction he plans to take upon arrival at Old Trafford. The Portuguese coach arrives off the back of a remarkable spell in charge of Sporting CP,