Sports

Why I joined Man United – Ruben Amorim

Ruben Amorim revealed he initially preferred to take over as Manchester United’s head coach at the end of the season but accepted a mid-season move after learning it was a “now or never” offer.

Amorim, 39, was officially announced as United’s new head coach on Friday, with his transfer from Sporting Lisbon set for 11 November.

EDITOR’S PICKS

Speaking after Sporting’s 5-1 league win—which preserved their unbeaten streak through 10 games—Amorim shared that his main request following United’s approach was to complete the current season, a decision he had already conveyed to Sporting’s president.

However, the Portuguese manager was informed that United needed an immediate successor to Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed on Monday, and could not wait until summer.

“The season started, we started very well, and then Manchester United came, they pay above the compensation clause and the president defends the club’s interests,” Amorim explained.

“I never discussed anything with the president. For three days I said I wanted to stay until the end of the season, but then I was told it was not possible.

“It was now or never, or Manchester would go for another option. So, I had three days to make my mind up, to make a decision that changes radically my life.”

Amorim, now under contract with Manchester United until June 2027, becomes the sixth permanent manager appointed by the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary 26-year tenure concluded with his 2013 retirement.

Renowned as one of Europe’s brightest managerial talents, Amorim led Sporting to two league titles, including their first in 19 years. He expressed that joining Manchester United was the only move he desired for the next phase of his career.

“I’ve had other opportunities – the president and [director of football] Hugo Viana can confirm this. It’s not the first or the second time that I have been requested by another team and I don’t want another team,” said Amorim.

“After Sporting I wanted that one, Manchester, and I want that context because that context allows me to do things my way and the club believes me that way.

“There’s a time when I have to take a step forward in my career. That’s what happened. It was harder for me than to any Sporting fan, believe me, but I had to do this.”

FURTHER READING

He added: “Now I go home happier because I have explained. People say ‘it’s about the money’, but there was another team that wanted to hire me before and they paid three times more than Manchester.

“It was the best phase of my life. Everyone at Sporting knows. I understand the disappointment of the fans but today is not the farewell. We still have two important games against Manchester City [in the Champions League] and Braga [in the league] to maintain the lead.”

Click here to watch our video of the week:

Dennis

Share
Published by
Dennis

Recent Posts

FULL LIST: 13 Political Parties Cleared to Contest in Ondo LG Elections

13 political parties cleared for Ondo’s 2025 local elections. Parties will contest chairmanship and councillorship…

2 minutes ago

Tragedy as Bride Allegedly Poisons Wedding Reception Food in Jigawa

Bride allegedly poisoned wedding food, leaving the groom ill and one guest dead. Incident may…

12 minutes ago

Naira Gains N6.8 Against Dollar at Official Forex Market

Naira rose to N1,534.56 at the official market, gaining N6.8. Black market rate held steady…

22 minutes ago