Man Utd considered triggering £10m release clause in Premier League manager's contract prior to pursuit of Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim

The Daily Mail reports that Silva, an early contender for the United head coach job, would have cost the club £10 million ($13m) in compensation. The Portuguese tactician has done an excellent job in west London, solidifying Fulham as a strong mid-table Premier League outfit, and United's hierarchy have clearly been paying attention. According to the report, the Red Devils came close to triggering Silva's hefty release clause.

The Red Devils confirmed on Friday that highly-rated Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim will take over from Erik ten Hag following the under-performing Dutch coach's sacking on Monday. However, before reaching that decision United considered several other candidates including Amorim's compatriot Silva, who was also in charge of Portuguese side Sporting CP back in 2015-16.

The report says Silva, Thomas Frank and Xavi were all seen as candidates to replace Ten Hag and that INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was in favour of hiring a coach with Premier League experience. However, sporting director Dan Ashworth, CEO Omar Berrada and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford preferred to go for Amorim.

Amorim faces a huge challenge at Old Trafford, with former player Phil Jones telling the BBC that he faces an "absolute mammoth of a job". He will not be in the dugout for the showdown with Chelsea this week as he will take charge on November 11.