- Ruben Amorim, Sporting Lisbon’s former coach, has been appointed as Manchester United’s head coach in a swift three-day decision process
- Amorim, recognised for his success in Portuguese football, was brought in to replace Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed earlier this week
- Amorim will begin managing United on November 11, aiming to uplift a struggling team currently in 14th place in the Premier League
New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has opened up about the whirlwind decision that brought him from Liga Portugal to the Premier League.
In a press conference, Amorim revealed that it took only three intense days to finalise his move to Old Trafford after the club triggered his release clause.
Reflecting on the unusual circumstances of his departure from Sporting, he stated,
“It was a very unusual week. I understand the anger of some fans and the disappointment… I’m very grateful to the fans and to everything here.”
At 39, Amorim’s track record includes five major trophies with Sporting, including being named Primeira Liga Manager of the Season twice. Manchester United saw him as the ideal candidate to transform the squad after parting ways with Erik ten Hag, who left following a lacklustre start to the season that has the club sitting in 14th place on the Premier League table.
Manchester United’s offer wasn’t the first time other clubs triggered Amorim’s release clause, but he felt United’s situation was too compelling to pass up, he explained,
“I wanted that club and that context, just like when I joined Sporting.”
The timing, he admitted, wasn’t ideal, because he had earlier hoped to finish the season at Sporting and only then make a move,
“United became interested, paid the release clause and the president defended the club's interests. I never discussed anything with the president but my only request was that I wanted to leave at the end of the season. That wasn't possible, it was now or never. I had three days to decide on something that changes my life,” he confessed.
This urgency was one of the toughest parts of the decision-making process, as he shared,
“In six months, I knew I wouldn’t be at Sporting.”
Although leaving Sporting was difficult, Amorim accepted that this next step was necessary,
“The time came for me to make a decision, and I did. Now I go home feeling much more relieved,” he said.
He’s set to officially start at United on November 11, with his first match in charge against Ipswich Town on November 24.
With a contract through June 2027, Amorim’s mission is to bring Manchester United back to its former glory a journey long-awaited by fans since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. As United’s sixth permanent manager since 2013, Amorim seems up for the challenge.
Erik Ten Hag sacked by Manchester United, parts with hefty compensation
Previously, TheRadar reported that Manchester United has made a crucial decision in the wake of a lacklustre season-opening, parting ways with Erik ten Hag as manager following mounting pressure.
The final blow came in a 2-1 loss against West Ham on Sunday, October 27, leaving United in a concerning 14th place in the Premier League, with only three wins in their opening nine games.
