Ruben Amorim's contract with Man United runs until June 2027 with an option to extend for another year. Although he has been officially announced as a "Red Devil" player, Amorim will not appear before November 11.
Speaking after Sporting's 5-1 win over Estrela on Friday night, Amorim admitted he was initially reluctant to leave Portugal mid-season. The 39-year-old asked United if he could delay the move until the end of the season, but the English side were adamant.
“I asked Man United if it was possible at the end of the season? That’s what I wanted, but they said no, it was now or never! So I had to make a decision right away. It was a fantastic challenge and I couldn’t say no.
I would have liked to stay at Sporting until the end of the season more than any fan but it was not possible. Some people said it was about money, it was not. There were clubs who were willing to pay me three times my salary but I still refused. The only club I wanted to play for was Man United.
When I spoke to the president Federico Varandas at the start of the season, I said that no matter what happened, this would be my last season at Sporting. The season started very well, then Man United came along and made the terms. Up until now, I have not had any arguments with the president about that.
"If nothing changes, I will leave at the end of the season. The only thing that is different now is that I leave earlier" - Ruben Amorim shared.
Although he said that Man United's attraction was great, Amorim also admitted that he had considered whether to stay with Sporting until the end of the season or not. At Jose Alvalade Stadium, Amorim had unforgettable achievements and memories in his life. It was Sporting that helped him gain the attraction he has today. In the summer transfer window of 2024, Liverpool also eyed Amorim to replace Jurgen Klopp.
"I changed my mind many times before making a decision. No matter what I do, I cannot let Sporting suffer any harm. I have 3 days to decide something that will completely change my life" - Amorim shared.
Amorim has said he is delighted to take over at a struggling club like Manchester United, meaning the 39-year-old has a blank sheet of paper in front of him and can do whatever he wants to try and turn the club around.
One of Amorim's priorities is the mid-season transfer window to refresh the squad. However, he will not touch any Sporting players out of respect for his former club, at least for now.
"I will not look for any Sporting players in January. The years at Sporting were the best of my life. Everyone knows how much I love this place. Therefore, this time is not a goodbye forever" - Amorim shared.
At the end of the interview, Amorim said that he would bring his entire coaching staff from Portugal to England. This almost means that Ruud van Nistelrooy will no longer be part of the new coaching staff. Amorim also hopes that Man United fans will give him and his colleagues time to prove their abilities in the current difficult context.
