Manuel Ugarte reveals one key factor about Ruben Amorim that has ‘surprised’ Man United stars as midfielder lifts lid on dressing room reaction to Old Trafford appointment

Manuel Ugarte has delivered his verdict on Ruben Amorim being named as Manchester United‘s next permanent head coach and revealed the one key factor that ‘surprised’ team-mates having previously working under the Sporting Lisbon boss.

Amorim is tasked with taking United back to former glories after losing their way under ex-boss Erik ten Hag who delivered two titles during his reign but also oversaw dismal Premier League campaigns.

The Portuguese has put pen-to-paper on an initial two-and-a-half year deal, which the club can extend for a further 12 months, should they wish to do so.

United’s willingness to bring the 39-year-old head coach to the club saw them fork out one million euros on top of an initial £8.3m release clause to secure an early departure.

Amorim will officially start his new role on November 11 and will use the upcoming international break to familiarise himself with his surroundings before his first match in charge, which will be at Ipswich Town on November 24.

Amorim was named as Man United’s next head coach and will start work on November 11

Ugarte (left) previously starred under Amorim’s guidance at Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon

Meanwhile, Ugarte has previous experience of working with Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, winning the Portuguese Cup together and making 85 appearances across two seasons before leaving for PSG in 2023.

However, Ugarte has fond memories of working with Amorim and is desperate to rediscover his previous best form after struggling since making his £51m summer switch to Old Trafford.

Hailing Amorim’s imminent arrival in Manchester, Ugarte complimented the talented coach telling DAZN after Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea: ‘I saw that the Sporting fans were upset and you can understand, because the gaffer is a great coach. 

‘It’s good for United, we have to take advantage of it and that he conveys his idea as soon as possible. I think it will be a different dynamic and the day to day will be similar to Sporting’s. 

‘The league, the country, the football changes… It’s a big challenge for him but we all know he has the skills’, he added.

Ugarte revealed Man United players have been ‘surprised’ by Amorim being only 39-years-old

Ugarte has endured a difficult start to life since making his £51m summer switch to Old Trafford

Ugarte’s first-hand experience of working under Amorim has also made him a singled out figure in United’s dressing room where players are excited to understand what will be expected from the new dugout chief.

Most notably, the midfielder revealed his United team-mates were left surprised by Amorim’s age, 39, that makes him the club’s youngest manager since the 1960s.

Ugarte continued: ‘There are a lot of questions about him from my colleagues. What surprised them was their age. 

‘He is also very hungry to win and that is very important. I say he will like it,’ he added.