Rúben Amorim is facing a further delay before officially starting as Manchester United‘s new head coach as the club await confirmation of his visa, a source has told ESPN.
United announced Amorim as their new boss on Nov. 1 “subject to work visa requirements.”
Amorim, 39, is set to arrive in Manchester on Monday, but a source has told ESPN he is still waiting for the official green light to start his employment. United are not expecting any issues with the paperwork.
However, until confirmation is received, Amorim cannot begin his official duties, including overseeing training sessions.
A number of players will not be at Carrington anyway after joining up with their national teams following the 3-0 win over Leicester at Old Trafford on Sunday. Players not called up for international duty have been given time off.
Amorim’s first game in charge will be against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Nov. 24.
The Portuguese coach will take over from caretaker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has overseen a run of four games unbeaten. His interim spell ended with a comfortable win over Leicester, and afterwards, he revealed he is still waiting to hear whether he will be part of Amorim’s backroom staff.
“I appreciated the clear communication of the club; it was an interim spell for a short term,” Van Nistelrooy said. “It could have been one or two games — they kept me in the loop — it was four, and for me, it was important to have that clarity.
“For me, the most important thing is the football club, and I am here to support that and I want to continue that. The communication was that after the block of four there will be communication towards you and your colleagues.”