Sporting sacks Ruben Amorim’s successor Joao Pereira and appoints Rui Borges

Sporting have appointed Rui Borges as head coach after sacking Joao Pereira, who spent just over a month in charge at the Portuguese club following the departure of Ruben Amorim.

Pereira took over as boss of the Lisbon side shortly after Amorim left to become Manchester United boss in November, but he endured a difficult spell at the helm.

Sporting lost four of their eight games under Pereira, which has resulted in them being knocked out of the top of the Primeira Liga, with rivals Benfica leapfrogging them into first place.

Borges has left Vitoria Guimaraes to become Sporting boss and has signed a contract until June 2026, with the deal including an option for a further one-year extension.

“The time is right for me,” said Borges, whose first game will be against Benfica on Sunday.

“It’s always right. I’m very positive, I believe that things happen when they’re supposed to. It’s an opportunity we’ve all worked for.”

Amorim led Sporting to last season’s league title and left for a fresh challenge at Old Trafford after United sacked Erik ten Hag.

Borges now faces the challenge of chasing another championship, saying: “I’m the leader of the Portuguese champions and I couldn’t be happier. I look at the squad and it’s the best. It’s not even time to talk about signings.”