In a candid admission ahead of his Champions League clash against Manchester City, incoming Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim revealed that he briefly entertained the idea of following Sporting CP director of football Hugo Viana to the Etihad Stadium. The 39-year-old, who is set to take charge at Old Trafford on November 11, ultimately chose the Red Devils but acknowledged that the prospect of joining City did cross his mind.
A Moment of Contemplation
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Amorim opened up about his thought process when Viana, Sporting’s director of football, was hired by City to replace Txiki Begiristain at the end of the season. The Portuguese tactician admitted:
It’s something that crosses your mind but I never had any doubts. My decision has been made and that’s the club I want to work for. That’s where I want to continue my career as a coach. It crossed my mind, but I decided on the club I wanted and I didn’t want anything else. I wanted Manchester United and that’s what I did.
Focus on the Future
Despite the fleeting consideration of a potential move to City, Amorim emphasized that his focus remained steadfast on his impending role at United. The former Sporting boss, who will officially begin his tenure after the international break, expressed his unwavering commitment to the Red Devils and his excitement to embark on this new chapter in his managerial career.
Champions League Showdown
Amorim’s revelation comes as he prepares to lead Sporting against City in the Champions League on Tuesday, marking his penultimate game in charge of the Portuguese side. The match will provide an intriguing prelude to the upcoming Manchester derby on December 15, where Amorim and Pep Guardiola will go head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium.
Many United supporters are expected to tune in to the Champions League clash to catch a glimpse of their new manager in action. However, Amorim cautioned against drawing conclusions about his suitability for the United job based on a single match against Guardiola’s formidable side:
The conclusions that people will draw from this match are not important for me. If it’s a negative outcome [against City] the expectations will drop. If we win tomorrow, people will think the new Alex Ferguson has arrived and obviously it will be difficult to live up to that expectation.
I’m not interested in the conclusions people will draw, what I’m interested in is to win the match and then start a new life in Manchester.
A New Era at Old Trafford
As Amorim prepares to take the reins at United, he faces the daunting task of restoring the club’s former glory and leading them back to the pinnacle of English and European football. The Red Devils have endured a tumultuous period since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, with a succession of managers failing to replicate the legendary Scot’s success.
Amorim’s appointment has been met with cautious optimism by the United faithful, who are eager to see the club return to winning ways. The Portuguese coach’s impressive track record at Sporting, where he won two Primeira Liga titles and guided the team to the Champions League knockout stages, has raised hopes that he can bring a fresh perspective and winning mentality to Old Trafford.
The Road Ahead
As Amorim prepares to embark on his United journey, he will undoubtedly face a host of challenges both on and off the pitch. The club’s hierarchy will be looking to the new manager to rejuvenate the squad, instill a clear playing philosophy, and navigate the demands of competing in multiple competitions.
While the brief contemplation of a move to City may have raised some eyebrows, Amorim’s unwavering commitment to United and his determination to succeed at Old Trafford will be the driving force as he looks to write a new chapter in the club’s illustrious history. As the Red Devils prepare to welcome their new manager, the stage is set for an exciting new era under the guidance of one of Europe’s most promising young coaches.
