Sporting CP SACK Ruben Amorim’s replacement after just six weeks - as Portuguese club wield the axe on Christmas Day before announcing new manager

Just six weeks after Amorim's departure to join Manchester United, Sporting CP have fired former U23's coach Joao Pereira, who stepped up to the senior side to replace Amorim.

At the point of Amorim's departure, Sporting were top of the Liga Portugal and looked favorites to clinch the title for the second year running. However, since naming Pereira as head coach, Sporting have won just three games from eight, which included a 5-1 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League, less than a month after a 4-1 win over Man City in the same competition.

The Sporting hierarchy had enough of the lackluster performances and in a showing of un-Christmassy spirit, announced Pereira's dismissal with six minutes of Christmas Day remaining.

Sporting announced Pereira's exit on X, writing: "A Lion forever. Thank you, Joao Pereira."

Sporting have turned to Rui Borges, formerly of Vitoria de Guimaraes, in a bid to get their season back on track. They host Benfica on Sunday, having slipped a point behind their Lisbon rivals in the title race.