Rúben Amorim, soon to be Manchester United’s manager, has urged fans to manage their expectations about his tactical approach, following Sporting CP’s 4-1 home victory over Manchester City in the Champions League.
While the win marked City’s first defeat in the competition this season and broke their 26-game unbeaten record, Amorim downplayed the result as he prepares for his new role at Old Trafford starting November 11 and will be on contract at United until 2027 with an optional extension.
“It doesn’t mean anything. We can’t transfer one reality to another. Manchester United can’t play that defensively. It was a fluke; we were lucky in the game. I will make other assessments later,” Amorim said.
The Portuguese coach, who has steered Sporting to two league titles, described the City win as a fitting end to his home tenure but acknowledged the fortune involved.
“I couldn’t ask for anything better. But we had luck — this was a one-off. It was a very important moment for all. They [Sporting fans] know what I did for them and they know what they did for me. We all deserved a moment like this.”
Despite leaving Sporting on a high note, Amorim warned that replicating that success at Manchester United would be an entirely different challenge.
“I take this to the Premier League, but when I get there, it will be a different world. When I’m at the next club, the approach will have to be different. It’s going to be fun, and I’m ready for the challenge.”
“Pep [Guardiola] is so much better than me at the moment. But I believe a lot in my new club. We will start from a low level, and we will improve the team, the club.”
Sporting’s success under Amorim included breaking their 19-year league title drought. His last game for Sporting will be Sunday’s league match at Braga, with Sporting leading the Portuguese league by three points, maintaining a perfect 10-game winning streak this season.
Rúben Amorim remains grounded about his impending Premier League stint: “We will improve the team, the club,” he reiterated, preparing fans for what he hopes will be a gradual rise rather than immediate success.
