Manchester United eventually won the race for long-term West Ham United managerial target Ruben Amorim.
39-year-old Ruben Amorim will take charge of his first Manchester United game on Sunday, when his side travel to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town.
The excitement surrounding Old Trafford right now is palpable, whilst the exact opposite can be said of the London Stadium.
West Ham appointed Julen Lopetegui as our manager in the summer, having tried and failed to bring Amorim to East London.
In fact, we were so close to appointing the Portuguese that he was forced to apologise to the Sporting fans, after meeting with Hammers officials midway through a title race.
The Hammers owners made a big mistake by not pushing harder for Amorim as far as I’m concerned.
He is on another level to Lopetegui in every single way.
And the Manchester United players’ initial impression of the Portuguese tactician lends credence to that notion.
What some Manchester United players are calling Ruben Amorim
Many are expecting Amorim to make an instant impact at Old Trafford, myself included.
I think he will be a huge hit in the Premier League with Manchester United.
Things could have been so different had David Sullivan had the courage and conviction to bring him to the London Stadium.
And the latest update on the 39-year-old will leave the Hammers fans feeling physically sick.
The Sun has today shared what a source told them about the Man United players’ initial impression of Amorim, after he oversaw his first training session at the club.
It is suggested that the players have been ‘blown away’ by his immediate impact with ‘Mourinho-style confidence’.
“He told them that top managers have not replicated Sir Alex’s success because they have lived in his shadow, rather than getting their team to play with his spirit.“
“Even before Monday’s first session, the players have been very impressed.
“Then, after the sessions, they are blown away by his energy, approach and confidence.
“There’s definite Mourinho vibes in the way he speaks and his self belief – but the style is his own.
“The players think he’s very approachable and that he will understand them. Some of them are calling him Mourinho 2.0.”
Mourinho 2.0 a huge compliment for Amorim
Now, the Man United players are clearly referring to the Mourinho of yesteryear, when he was the undisputed best manager in the world.
The Jose Mourinho who won the Champions League with Porto, before taking over Chelsea and winning back to back Premier League titles.
The Mourinho who went to Inter Milan and lifted the Champions League trophy in the face of adversity, beating the mighty Barcelona en route to the final.
And the Jose Mourinho who went to Real Madrid and stopped prime Barcelona and Pep Guardiola from winning four La Liga titles on the bounce.
The 61-year-old was incredibly charismatic, and had an incredible winning mentality.
If Ruben Amorim ends up achieving what Jose Mourinho did in the game, the new Manchester United manager will go down as one of the greats.
And if he ends up eclipsing his countryman, well, Man United will be guaranteed to reach the top of the game both home and abroad once again.
The Man United players’ first impression of Amorim makes it even more annoying that West Ham didn’t push the boat out to appoint him back in May.
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