Ruben Amorim, recognized for his tactical prowess at Sporting, takes on the role of Manchester United's head coach after Erik ten Hag's departure. United's offer was a "now or never" chance amid his successful run in Portugal.
In a crucial moment for both Manchester United and Ruben Amorim, the 39-year-old coach has reached a turning point which leads to his eagerly awaited appointment at Old Trafford. After Erik ten Hag was dismissed following a rocky start to the season, United gave Amorim an ultimatum: it was “now or never” if he wanted to take charge of the club he had long dreamed of managing.
Amorim has agreed to a contract that keeps him with the club until June 2027, with the possibility of extending it for an additional year. He is scheduled to officially begin on Monday, November 11, after completing his commitments with Sporting. During his tenure there, he has led the team to success, including an impressive 5-1 win over Estrela da Amadora just before the international break.
The departure of the Portuguese coach comes at a cost—€11 million (£9.2 million)—yet he was transparent about his choice during the post-match press conference. "I had a talk with the president (Frederico Varandas) and I made it clear that this would be my last season with Sporting," he stated, demonstrating his steadfast dedication to the club until the end. Amorim stressed, "I never discussed any bargaining with the president. My only request was to remain until the season's conclusion."
However, with Manchester United willing to pay more than his compensation clause, the urgency of the situation became clear. “I had three days to make a decision that would radically change my life,” he recounted. The appeal of managing one of football's most prestigious clubs was undeniable, leading him to prioritize this unique opportunity over staying with Sporting.
Amorim's honest reflections uncovered the inner struggle he experienced. "Let's not beat around the bush; there was a club that told me if I declined this offer, it wouldn't be available in six months," he mentioned. The urgency of the offer put significant pressure on him, forcing him to make a quick decision. Although he recognized the disappointment his leaving would cause Sporting fans, Amorim believed it was crucial to seize the opportunity.
"It was more difficult for me than for any Sporting fan, trust me, but I had to make this choice," he said, indicating the emotional impact this decision had on him. His dedication to Sporting was clear, yet the possibility of missing the chance to manage United was a risk he couldn't ignore.
Importantly, Amorim refuted the idea that money was his main motivation. "People say it's about the money, but I had offers before that paid three times more than Manchester," he emphasized, highlighting that his true focus was on this unique challenge. As he gets ready for the change, he acknowledges the mixed emotions of the fans and thanks them for the warm farewell he received during his last match.
Looking forward, Amorim reassured Sporting fans that he would not poach the team in January, declaring, 'I will not sign Viktor Gyokeres or any other Sporting players,' while affirming that his reliable coaching staff would accompany him to England. 'That was always one of my conditions,' he emphasized, underscoring his dedication to maintaining continuity and familiarity in his new position.
As Amorim steps into this new phase of his career, the excitement surrounding his appointment indicates a hopeful revival for Manchester United. The upcoming challenges are considerable, but with a clear vision and a deep respect for the sport, Amorim is set to leave a lasting impression at one of the world's most prestigious football clubs.
