Manchester United confirmed that Ruben Amorim would be replacing Erik ten Hag as manager on Friday. Following plenty of speculation of an agreement being reached between United and Sporting Lisbon, the three year contract was announced.
Speaking to the press in Portugal on Friday evening, Amorim confirmed he asked United could he see out the season with Sporting but was told it was now or never.
“At start of the season I talked to president and said whatever happens this is my last season at Sporting. The season started very well, then Man United appeared and paid the clause. I never argued with the president.
I asked United if it could be at the end of the season. It was what I wanted. United said no. It was now or never. So I had to make a decision. This is exactly the context I wanted [United struggling] because I can do things my way.
There is no Sporting fan who wanted me to stay until the end of the season more than I did. But it wasn’t possible. Some people say it’s for money. It’s not. Other clubs were prepared to pay three times more and I refused. This is the club (United) I wanted.”
Amorim confirmed that he would be bringing his coaching staff with him but wouldn’t be looking to poach any of their players in January.
”I’m going to take my coaching staff with me. We’ve been together since Casa Pia. It was one of the conditions. I’m not going to come for any Sporting player in January. These years at Sporting have been the best years of my life. Everyone knows how much I loved it here. But it’s not my farewell yet!“
Quotes from Tom Kundert – @PortuGoal1.
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