They told me it’s now or never

Ruben Amorim received a standing ovation from Sporting fans before their 5-1 home win over Estrela da Amadora on Friday/SCREENGRAB BBC

Ruben Amorim says he wanted the Manchester United job at the end of the season but accepted the mid-season appointment after being told it was “now or never”.

Amorim, 39, was confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach on Friday and will complete his move to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon on November 11.

Speaking after Sporting’s first match since the announcement – a 5-1 league win that maintained their perfect start after 10 games – Amorim explained that his only request after United’s approach was to see out the current campaign, which he Already informed the club president. his last one.

But the Portuguese coach has been told this is not possible as the Premier League club seeks an immediate replacement for Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday.

“The season started, we started very well, and then Manchester United came, they pay above the norm, and the president protects the interests of the club,” Amorim explained.

“I never discussed anything with the president. For three days I said that I wanted to stay until the end of the season, but then they told me that this was impossible.

“It’s either now or never, otherwise Manchester will choose another option. So, I had three days to make a decision that would radically change my life.”

Amorim, signed until June 2027, becomes the sixth permanent United manager to be appointed since Sir Alex Ferguson’s brilliant 26-year reign ended with his resignation in 2013.

He has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising managers by leading Sporting to two league titles – including their first in 19 years – but has said he only wants Manchester United as his next move.

“I have had other opportunities – the president and (director of football) Hugo Viana can confirm this. This is not the first or second time that another team has asked me, and I don’t want another team,” Amorim said. .

“After Sporting, this is what I wanted, Manchester, and I need this context because this context allows me to do things my way and the club believes in me that way.

“The moment has come when I need to take a step forward in my career. This is what happened. It was harder for me than for any Sporting fan, believe me, but I had to do it.”

He added: “Now I go home happier because I explained everything. People say, ‘It’s all about the money’, but there was another team who wanted to hire me before and they paid three times as much as Manchester.

“It was the best period of my life. Everyone at Sporting knows. I understand the fans’ disappointment, but today is not goodbye. We still have two important games against Manchester City (in the Champions League) and Braga (in the league). ) to maintain leadership.”

United, the 20-time English champions, are in 14th place after nine Premier League games this season, and Ruud van Nistelrooy will oversee the next three matches – two in the league and one in the Europa League – as interim manager until his arrival. Amorima.

Van Nistelrooy’s future at the club remains unclear and Amorim has stated his desire to take his current squad with him to Old Trafford, having worked with the same coaches since starting his first job at Portuguese club Casa Pia in 2018.

“I will take my staff with me. This has always been one of my conditions. I’ve been taking them with me since Casa Pia,” Amorim said.

He also said he would not return for Sporting players in the January transfer window after in-form Swedish striker Victor Giokeres scored four goals on Friday.

“Gjokeres costs 100 million and it is very difficult. I am not going to buy any Sporting players in January,” Amorim said.

“A good addition to the league” – Premier League bosses react to Amorim’s appointment