Rúben Amorím has responded for the first time to his move to Manchester United. On Friday evening, the newly appointed manager gave a tentative farewell to Sporting Portugal. However, he admitted that he would have preferred to go to Old Trafford at a later time.
Sporting maintained their impeccable form by securing a dominant 5-1 victory over Estrela Amadora in their tenth league match of the season.
This win brought the defending champions to a perfect thirty points, solidifying their place at the top of the league table and showcasing the impressive work Rúben Amorím has done during his tenure. The team’s consistent performances under his leadership have built a solid foundation that will serve as a significant advantage for whoever takes over as the new manager. Reflecting on his departure, Amorím admitted, “It is difficult to say goodbye. Although my smile says enough. I am mainly relieved that everything is now clear and that we part ways like this.”
The decision to leave Sporting was not one Amorím took lightly, especially given his deep connection with the club and its supporters. However, when Manchester United came with an offer, Amorím knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “I didn’t have to think for long, although I would have preferred a different starting point,” he explained. “The only request I made to them was to start in the summer. They told me that wasn’t possible. It was now or never. That’s when I decided to join. I would have left Sporting at the end of this season anyway.”
At the press conference, Amorím expressed how much the opportunity to join Manchester United meant to him. The move to the Premier League, one of the most competitive football environments globally, was a dream come true. “The club and the league I wanted came to me. That’s why I chose to do it,” he said, visibly moved after receiving heartfelt cheers from Sporting’s loyal fan base. “If I had turned down Manchester United, the club would not have come for me again. And this was exactly the club I was looking for. It moved me that they wanted me.”
Despite the excitement of a new chapter, Amorím made it clear that he intends to leave Sporting without disrupting its stability. He assured fans that even Viktor Gyökeres, who scored four goals during one of Amorím’s farewell receptions in what seemed like an audition for a potential move, would not be joining him at Manchester United during the winter transfer window. “But I am not going to take anyone from Sporting in the winter. They need to become champions,” Amorím said, underlining his commitment to seeing Sporting continue to thrive after his departure.
Amorím’s final duties as Sporting’s manager include a crucial Champions League fixture midweek, which will allow him to lead his team on an international stage one last time. Following that, he will bid farewell to the club after their league match against SC Braga, a moment expected to be emotional for both the coach and the supporters who have cherished his leadership. His legacy at Sporting is marked not only by the titles won but also by the culture of excellence and unity he instilled within the squad.
As Sporting prepares for life after Amorím, fans and analysts alike reflect on the impact he had on the team. His strategic acumen, motivational leadership, and commitment to nurturing young talent transformed the club into a formidable force domestically and in European competitions. Meanwhile, Manchester United eagerly awaits his arrival, anticipating the fresh approach and tactical prowess he will bring to Old Trafford. The upcoming months will be crucial as Amorím transitions from leading one storied club to tackling new challenges in one of the most high-profile roles in football.
