Manager Ruben Amorim says there will be “clarity” over his expected move to Manchester United after Sporting’s match against Estrela on Friday.
He is expected to remain in charge of Portuguese side Sporting until the next international break from November 11-19.
There is still uncertainty over whether a deal has been struck for Amorim to take over at Old Trafford after Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday.
“It’s a negotiation between two clubs, it’s never easy,” said Amorim, 39.
United board member Sir Dave Brailsford told fans “it’s done” as he arrived for Wednesday’s EFL Cup win over Leicester and posed for a photo. The information has been confirmed by additional sources in Portugal.
However, Sporting officials are adamant that there is still no official deal in place and that talks are continuing.
Manchester United have declined to comment.
“Even with the clauses it is never easy, they have to talk and we will get clarification after the game, it will be very clear,” Amorim added.
“So it is one day after the game tomorrow, we will make a decision.”
Sporting have a big Champions League match against Manchester City on Tuesday and play Amorim’s former club Braga in the league on November 10, before European top-flight football is suspended for Nations League matches.
Sporting have won all nine league games this season and are three points clear of rivals Benfica at the top of the table.
They beat Nacional 3-1 in the Portuguese League Cup on Tuesday, but Amorim admitted that recent speculation over his future has destabilised the squad.
“I know my players and I am honest with you when I say that they were not normal. I realised that they were nervous and anxious about the news, with a series of tough games coming up,” Amorim said.
“They know me so well. I have proven that I will defend them until the last moment. But there are things that I cannot control.
“There are things that we cannot control, the clubs negotiate. It is not the coach’s decision.”
As Amorim stood up to leave Thursday’s press conference, he was asked what he liked about the Premier League – “everything,” he said with a smile.
Financial rules surrounding Sporting mean they must confirm with the Lisbon Stock Exchange when an agreement has been reached for his departure.
Ruud van Nistelrooy will hold his first press conference since being appointed interim manager of United later on Thursday.
After the win over Leicester, Van Nistelrooy said he was prepared to remain at the club “in whatever capacity”.
United have home league games against Chelsea on Sunday and Leicester on 10 November before the international break, separated by a Europa League tie with Greek side PAOK at Old Trafford on 7 November.
They travel to recently promoted Ipswich, managed by former United manager Kieran McKenna, immediately after the international break.
Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt could be Amorim’s first opponents at Old Trafford in the Europa League on 28 November, with a Premier League clash against Everton the following weekend.