Ruben Amorim has shared that he initially hoped to take over as Manchester United’s manager at the end of the season but ultimately accepted an immediate mid-season appointment after being told the opportunity would be a “now or never” scenario.
The 39-year-old, confirmed as United’s new head coach on Friday, will join from Sporting Lisbon on November 11. After Sporting’s 5-1 victory over Estrela on Friday – which kept their flawless run of ten wins – Amorim explained that he had expressed his desire to finish the season with Sporting, a plan he had already discussed with the club president, as he intended this to be his final season.
However, United needed an immediate replacement for Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed earlier in the week, and Amorim was informed they could not delay his move.
“The season had begun well for us, and then Manchester United came in, offering to pay above my release clause. The president, understandably, needed to prioritize the club’s interests,” Amorim stated. “For three days, I asked to remain until the season’s end, but it became clear that wouldn’t be possible. It was either now or never, and if I didn’t accept, they would pursue another candidate.”
He acknowledged that accepting the offer would drastically alter his life and career, but, in the end, he felt it was time to take this next step.
Under contract with United until June 2027, Amorim becomes the sixth permanent manager at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013. Known for his strong managerial skills, he led Sporting to two league titles, including their first in nearly two decades, but said that United was the only club he wanted next.
“I had other offers – the president and [director of football] Hugo Viana know this. But it’s Manchester United I wanted, and that’s the place where I feel I can work in the way I believe,” he remarked. “This was a decision that weighed on me heavily, more than on any fan, but it’s a necessary step for my career.”
Amorim dismissed speculation that money was his motive, revealing that he previously turned down another club that offered three times what United was paying. He emphasized, “Sporting has been the best phase of my life. I understand the fans’ disappointment, but this is not goodbye just yet. We still have important matches coming up against Manchester City in the Champions League and Braga in the league.”
In the meantime, Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain as interim manager for three games – two in the Premier League and one in the Europa League – before Amorim takes charge. The Dutchman’s long-term role remains uncertain, as Amorim expressed his intention to bring his coaching team from Sporting to United.
“My staff will join me; that was one of my terms,” he confirmed, noting that they have worked with him since his managerial debut at Casa Pia in 2018.
Lastly, Amorim assured Sporting fans he would not seek to sign their players in the January transfer window, despite the recent stellar form of forward Viktor Gyokeres, who scored four goals on Friday. “Gyokeres would cost 100 million, and it’s just not feasible. I won’t be taking any Sporting players this January,” he clarified.
SOURCE: BBC
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