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By Chris Wheeler Published: 09: 30 AEDT, 2 November 2024 | Updated: 11: 59 AEDT, 2 November 2024 7 View comments As Erik ten Hag boarded a private jet to Amsterdam in the wake of his sacking on Monday morning, a delegation from Manchester United led by chief executive Omar Berrada was heading to the same airport for a flight to Lisbon. Berrada was sitting next to sporting director Dan Ashworth when the two men delivered the news to Ten Hag at Carrington. Now he had left Ashworth behind at the training ground to assist interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy and was on a mission to secure the services of Ten Hag’s permanent replacement, Ruben Amorim. United sources are satisfied that they moved ‘quickly and quietly’ to land Amorim, and there was certainly none of the chaos that reigned in May and June when co-owners Ineos interviewed a number of candidates before allowing Ten Hag to keep his job. Having fired the Dutchman this week, they wasted no time in making a formal approach to Sporting Lisbon. United were already aware that Amorim was interested in joining them and knew the release clause in his contract was £8. 3million. Man United chief executive Omar Berrada flew to Lisbon the same day Erik ten Hag was sacked United were able to negotiate an early release clause in Ruben Amorim's contract to appoint the Portuguese as the club's new manager Discussions surrounding Ten Hag's future at Old Trafford had been ongoing for several months The tricky bit was reducing the 39-year-old’s notice period, which would begin one month from the date of the release fee being paid. For an additional £900, 000, United saved themselves three weeks and were able to confirm Amorim’s appointment on Friday, four days after Ten Hag’s departure. Aside from the official club statements confirming those two events, there has been a deafening silence from within Old Trafford since an executive committee meeting in London last month that always felt ominous for Ten Hag. Although he escaped the axe once again for another three weeks, it is understood a change of manager was discussed during talks at Ineos HQ in Knightsbridge between Sir Jim Ratcliffe, directors Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, Berrada, Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox. Amorim and former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez were among the options discussed and intermediaries were contacted during the international break. United sources insist Amorim was their No 1 choice and the only candidate spoken to before his appointment yesterday. But Mail Sport revealed United also sounded out representatives of Xavi in Barcelona before discovering that he was reluctant to take on a project mid-season, and also had Amorim, Thomas Frank and Edin Terzic on a list of targets. News that United were once again talking to managers behind Ten Hag’s back set the alarm bells ringing and he was sacked six days later. Berrada is said to be a particularly big fan of Amorim, having become aware of his qualities during his time at Manchester City, even though Etihad sources now claim they had not lined up the Portuguese to be the long-term replacement for Pep Guardiola. Ineos head Sir Jim Ratcliffe was involved in talks surrounding a change of manager in the international break  Berrada is understood to have been an admirer of Amorim dating back to his time at Man City Once the decision was made to sack Ten Hag, Berrada immediately flew to Lisbon and opened talks over paying the £8. 3m release fee in Amorim’s contract, along with the extra £900, 000 to get his man earlier. United respected that Sporting had important games coming up — including Tuesday’s Champions League clash with City — and understood their desire to keep Amorim for his notice period. Personal terms were also finalised with his representatives over a £6. 5m-a-year salary, although United have yet to reach an agreement over bringing his coaching staff to England. The Old Trafford hierarchy believe they have landed one of the most exciting young coaches in Europe, one whose style of play, personality and energy make him ideal for the role. It is why the title of head coach feels so significant. The job description of all five incumbents since Sir Alex Ferguson retired has remained that of manager. A head coach, on the other hand, is someone who will be part of the broader evolution of the club and cause less upheaval if he leaves. A cog in the wheel, if you will. That is not to say Amorim does not carry an aura, or will not be his own man. Amorim wasn't the only potential candidate, with former Barca boss Xavi also on the shortlist Thomas Tuchel was also in contention before he was appointed as the new England boss Indeed, his comment on Thursday that he would end the ‘soap opera’ over his appointment by talking after last night’s match against Estrela da Amadora, may have influenced United’s decision to take control of the news cycle and confirm his appointment. It is a bold move and one that comes at a price. Including the £15m in compensation to Ten Hag, the fee for Amorim and whatever it takes to acquire his backroom team, plus the cost of paying off any more United coaching staff, the final outlay will be close to £30m. Considering the club estimated in their last financial report that the maximum they expect to save by axing 250 jobs is £35m, this is a big call. However, United’s hierarchy seem convinced that Amorim is worth it. Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group