Incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim recently discussed his unexpected decision to leave Sporting Lisbon, emphasizing that the English club’s timeline demanded an immediate commitment. Amorim, who will officially take the reins at United on November 11, replaces Erik ten Hag following his dismissal earlier this week.
After his new role was confirmed, Amorim participated in a heartfelt press conference following Sporting Lisbon’s impressive 5-1 victory over Estrela da Amadora. He reflected on the significant impact this move would have on his life, noting that he had originally intended to conclude his tenure at Sporting at the end of the current season. However, when approached by Manchester United, his plans shifted, leading to a whirlwind of decision-making over just a few days.
Amorim revealed that he initially requested to complete the season with Sporting before joining United; however, the club insisted on a more immediate transition. “It was now or never,” he shared, underscoring the urgency put upon him by United. He acknowledged the pressure of making a major decision in a short amount of time, highlighting how this change would significantly alter his personal and professional life.
He also mentioned that this was not the first occasion he received offers that included the payment of a buyout clause from his Sporting contract. While he did receive compelling offers from other teams, he was drawn to Manchester United for reasons beyond financial motives. Surprisingly, he noted another club had made a proposal that was three times more lucrative than that of United.
Reflecting on his time at Sporting, where he coached since 2020 and won two league titles in four seasons, Amorim conveyed a mix of gratitude and sorrow. He acknowledged the emotional atmosphere during his final match, sensing the disappointment among fans who were visibly upset by his departure. He expressed understanding for their feelings, stating, “I understand that they are hurt, but we have to keep going forward; time heals all wounds.”
In preparation for the transition, Amorim confirmed he would be bringing his coaching staff from Sporting with him to Manchester, though he assured fans he would not attempt to recruit any Sporting players when the January transfer window opens. He added that he had yet to have any conversations with current Manchester United players and chose to refrain from commenting on the team’s dynamics until his official onboarding.
Before stepping into his new position, Amorim is scheduled to manage two more matches with Sporting, including a Champions League showdown against Manchester City and a domestic league fixture against Braga. His debut match with Manchester United is set for November 24, where he will lead the team in an away game against Ipswich in the Premier League.