Football

Amorim on joining Man Utd: "They told me: now or never"

Sporting Lisbon's head coach Rúben Amorim has revealed the details of his negotiations with Manchester United and explained why he accepted the English club’s offer. 

The Red Devils had previously announced that the 39-year-old would become the team's new head coach. The Portuguese manager is set to assume his duties on November 11.

"I can't say much. It's a stage where people feel what they ought to feel. I wanted to clarify the situation. At the beginning of the season, with our president beside me to confirm this, I spoke to him and [sporting director] Hugo Viana, stating that this would be my last season at Sporting.

The season started, and we began playing very well. Then United came in and paid the release clause, thus ensuring the president protected the club's interests. I never argued with the president. Negotiations with me followed. The only thing I asked from United's representatives was for the move to happen at the end of the season. They told me it was impossible and that it had to happen now or never. Otherwise, I would have to look for another job. I had three days to make a decision that would dramatically change my life. Within those three days, I had to decide to move to another club.

Leaving is difficult. It pains me more than any supporter. We must protect everyone’s interests. I hadn’t spoken sooner because I couldn’t. This is the decision. The club knew I was aware that if I refused, such an opportunity would not come again in six months. And I knew that in six months, I would not be at Sporting.

The time came when I had to make a decision, and I did. Now I go home much calmer. I have earned three times more for the club than it spent on me. I have given Sporting everything I had," Record quotes Amorim.

Rúben Amorim has led Sporting since 2020. Under his leadership, the Lisbon team became Portuguese champions twice and won two Portuguese League Cups. Before his transition to Manchester United, the team will face Manchester City in the Champions League and Braga in the national championship.

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