Copy in clipboard...
I was told it was now or never:
Amorim on United move
Amorim, 39, was confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach on Friday and will complete his move to Old Trafford from Lisbon club Sporting on 11 November.
Speaking after Sporting’s first match since that announcement – Friday’s 5-1 league victory over Estrela which maintained their perfect start after 10 games – Amorim explained his only request following United’s approach was to see out the current campaign, which he had already informed the club’s president would be his last.
But the Portuguese coach was told that would not be possible as the Premier League club sought 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 compensation clause and the president defends the club’s interests,” Amorim explained.
“I never discussed anything with the president. For three days I said I wanted to stay until the end of the season, but then I was told it was not possible.
“It was now or never, or Manchester would go for another option. So, I had three days to make my mind up, to make a decision that changes radically my life.”
Amorim, who has agreed a contract until June 2027, is the sixth permanent manager United have appointed since Sir Alex Ferguson’s illustrious 26-year reign ended with his retirement in 2013.
He has established a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising managers, leading Sporting to two league titles – including the club’s first in 19 years – but said he only wanted Manchester United as his next move.
“I’ve had other opportunities – the president and [director of football] Hugo Viana can confirm this. It’s not the first or the second time that I have been requested by another team and I don’t want another team,” said Amorim.
“After Sporting I wanted that one, Manchester, and I want that context because that context allows me to do things my way and the club believes me that way.”