Ruben Amorim, the newly appointed manager of Manchester United, has expressed his primary concern regarding his transition from Sporting CP. Officially announced as the manager on Friday, Amorim signed a contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2027. Before taking over at United on November 11, he will bid farewell in Lisbon, just two weeks prior to his Premier League debut against Ipswich Town.
United reportedly paid an additional €1 million (£840,000) beyond Amorim’s £8.4 million release clause to expedite his move, allowing him to skip the usual 30-day notice period. He steps in to replace Erik ten Hag, who was recently dismissed, while Ruud van Nistelrooy serves as the interim manager.
Amorim’s greatest concern is not the challenge of reviving United from their difficult season but rather how Sporting CP will perform without him. During a media session, he revealed that he fears Sporting may fall short of winning back-to-back Primeira Liga titles, which highlights his loyalty to the club even as he embraces the challenge at United.
“My biggest fear is that I could be a reason for Sporting not achieving their goal of a double league title this season,” Amorim stated. “That concern outweighs any anxiety I have about other challenges.”
After a remarkable 90-point season last year, Sporting is currently positioned to compete for another title, and Amorim, who has led the team since 2020, is credited with ending their 19-year league title drought in 2021.
Eduardo Barroso, a former head of Sporting’s General Assembly, expressed worry over Amorim’s departure, likening it to a significant earthquake that could lead to players leaving in January. However, he also noted confidence in Amorim’s successor, Joao Pereira, emphasizing the quality of the coaching staff and the players ready to step up.
Amorim is eager to embrace his new role and is relieved that the intense media scrutiny surrounding his appointment has begun to diminish. Meanwhile, United fans are hopeful that he can lead the team back to the success it enjoyed during Sir Alex Fe
rguson’s era.
