Amorim Reveals “Now or Never” Condition for Manchester United Appointment

Ruben Amorim stated his preference to assume the Manchester United managerial role at the conclusion of the current season; however, he agreed to an immediate, mid-season appointment upon being informed that the opportunity was “now or never.” Amorim, aged 39, was officially announced as Manchester United’s new head coach on Friday. His transfer to Old Trafford from the Lisbon-based club Sporting is scheduled to be finalized on 11 November. Following Sporting’s initial match since the announcement – a 5-1 league win against Estrela on Friday, which sustained their flawless record after 10 fixtures – Amorim clarified that his sole condition after United’s initial contact was to complete the ongoing season, a decision he had previously communicated to Sporting’s president as his final one. Nevertheless, the Portuguese coach was informed that this arrangement was unfeasible, as the Premier League club required an immediate successor for Erik ten Hag, who had been dismissed on Monday. Amorim elaborated: “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.” He continued: “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.” Amorim further stated: “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, having signed a contract extending until June 2027, represents the sixth permanent manager appointed by United since the conclusion of Sir Alex Ferguson’s distinguished 26-year tenure upon his retirement in 2013. He has cultivated a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising managers, guiding Sporting to two league championships, notably the club’s first in 19 years. However, he indicated that Manchester United was his sole desired next career step. “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,” Amorim stated. He added: “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.” Amorim further remarked: “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.” He also stated: “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.” Amorim concluded: “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.” United, who have secured 20 English championship titles, currently sit 14th in the Premier League standings after nine matches this season. Ruud van Nistelrooy is slated to manage the upcoming three games – two in the Premier League and one in the Europa League – as interim manager before Amorim’s tenure begins. Van Nistelrooy’s long-term position at the club is uncertain, while Amorim expressed his intention to bring his current coaching staff to Old Trafford, having collaborated with the same coaches since commencing his inaugural role at Portuguese side Casa Pia in 2018. “I will take my staff with me. That was always one of my conditions. I brought them with me since Casa Pia,” Amorim affirmed. He further asserted that he would not seek to acquire Sporting players during the January transfer window, a statement made after witnessing the prolific Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres net four goals on Friday. “Gyokeres costs 100 million and it’s very difficult. I’m not going to pick up any Sporting player in January,” Amorim declared. Ruben Amorim was met with a standing ovation from Sporting’s fanbase prior to Friday’s 5-1 home victory against Estrela da Amadora (Reporting by Olga Monteiro, BBC Sport journalist in Lisbon). The atmosphere was characteristic of a match day, with supporters congregating as customary near the food trucks opposite the stadium. The thoroughfares were adorned in green, flags fluttered, and fans engaged in chants. Emotions were elevated as fans processed Ruben Amorim’s departure; some conveyed good wishes, acknowledging his contributions to the club, while others voiced displeasure regarding his exit, with some even labeling him a traitor. During the match, Amorim maintained an exclusive focus on securing a win, backed by his dedicated technical team, who have been long-standing associates since his initial period at lower-league Casa Pia and will accompany him to Manchester. Upon the final whistle, the stadium erupted in a resounding standing ovation, underscoring the profound significance he held for the supporters. Notwithstanding the mixed emotions regarding his departure, a singular sentiment unified the fanbase: Manchester United would offer a new challenge, akin to Sporting. A prevalent belief was that he is well-prepared for this subsequent career stage. Despite their sadness over his exit, they expressed pride in his progression and the promising future awaiting him. Premier League managers offered their perspectives on Amorim’s appointment during Friday’s press conferences, including Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, whose team is scheduled to host Manchester United for Amorim’s inaugural match on 24 November. McKenna, a former coach at Old Trafford, commented: “I wish him all the best. It is a club I have an affinity with and always want to see them do well, hopefully not in the game that is coming up [against us].” He added: “Other than that I wish them all the best and I’m sure he will be a good addition to the league.” Chelsea is United’s next opponent in the Premier League on Sunday, subsequent to Wednesday’s 5-2 triumph over Leicester in the EFL Cup, which marked United’s first fixture since Ten Hag’s dismissal. Blues manager Enzo Maresca extended his wishes of “all the best” to Amorim, stating: “If the people in charge took that decision, it’s because they think it’s the correct one.”” Regarding facing Van Nistelrooy on Sunday, Maresca further commented: “I didn’t speak with Ruud. I will give him a big hug on Sunday before the game. He’s a fantastic guy, humble, very professional.”” United has been drawn to play Tottenham in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, a fixture that Amorim will oversee. Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, whose team defeated Ten Hag’s United 3-0 at Old Trafford in September, remarked: “He will have his feet firmly under the desk by then and I’m looking forward to meeting him.”