Sport

Man United's New Coach Rúben Amorim Confirms Focus on Old Trafford Amid City Speculation

2024-11-04

Author: Yu

Rúben Amorim, the newly appointed head coach of Manchester United, has opened up about the possibility of joining Manchester City, a thought that "crossed his mind" due to the recent movement of Sporting CP's director of football, Hugo Viana, to the Etihad Stadium. However, Amorim firmly stated that his primary focus has always been on assuming the manager position at Old Trafford.

As he prepares to lead Sporting against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday, Amorim finds himself in the spotlight just days before transitioning to his new role at United starting on November 11. His appointment comes shortly after City hired Viana, who will replace Txiki Begiristain at the end of this season.

“It’s something that crosses your mind, but I never had any doubts,” Amorim said during a press conference. “Manchester United is the club I want to work for, and I eagerly look forward to this opportunity.”

In a significant clash, Amorim’s Sporting will face off against Pep Guardiola's City in Lisbon, a match that also anticipates a future rivalry rekindled in the Manchester derby set for December 15. The previous meeting between these teams in the Champions League saw City demolishing Sporting with a 5-0 victory.

Guardiola shared his thoughts, drawing parallels between this Sporting side and the one that faced them previously, emphasizing their similar style of play and established mentality.

As United fans circle the game against City on their calendars, Amorim is cautious about the implications this match might have on public perceptions of his abilities as a coach.

“It’s vital not to base judgments on a single match against Guardiola’s side,” he remarked. “Whether we win or lose, I am not focused on what others may think. My goal is to win this match and prepare for my new chapter at Manchester United.”

The excitement surrounding Amorim's journey into one of the most storied clubs in football will inevitably spark debates about whether he can reignite United's glory days. With his dynamic approach and keen tactical insights, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as he navigates this pivotal moment in his career.