Ruben Amorim was warmly greeted by Sporting Lisbon fans prior to their impressive 5-1 victory against Estrela da Amadora last Friday. Following this match, Amorim revealed his aspirations to take on the role of Manchester United head coach at the end of the season. However, he accepted an immediate appointment after being informed it was a “now or never” situation.

The 39-year-old was officially announced as Manchester United’s new manager and will transition from Sporting Lisbon to Old Trafford on November 11. After leading Sporting to a commanding league win that kept their perfect record intact after ten games, Amorim shared his thoughts about the unexpected offer from Manchester United. He had initially expressed a desire to finish the current season with Sporting, which he had already indicated would be his last.

However, United’s urgency for a new manager following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal meant that this option was not viable. Amorim explained, “The season started well for us, and then Manchester United approached us with an offer above the compensation clause. The president had to prioritize the club’s interests.” He noted that for three days he maintained his wish to complete the season, but ultimately decided within a tight timeframe that he needed to seize this opportunity.

With a contract running until June 2027, Amorim is the sixth permanent manager appointed by United since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. He has gained recognition as one of Europe’s up-and-coming coaches, having won two league titles with Sporting, including their first in almost two decades. Despite other offers in the past, he emphasized that Manchester United was always his preferred destination.

Amorim expressed his commitment to bringing his existing coaching staff along with him to United, highlighting their long-standing collaboration since his first managerial role at Casa Pia in 2018. He also ruled out acquiring any players from Sporting during the upcoming January transfer window.

In reaction to Amorim’s appointment, fellow Premier League managers extended their well wishes during press conferences. Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca both expressed optimism for Amorim’s future at United. Meanwhile, Ruud van Nistelrooy remains interim manager until Amorim takes charge, overseeing upcoming matches against Chelsea and Tottenham in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.