Manchester United refused request to take over at end of season, says new boss Ruben Amorim
The Portuguese says he always intended to see out season 2024/25 with Sporting Lisbon, but the English club wanted him almost immediately
Incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said the English club refused his request to take over at the end of this season, telling him: “It was now or never.”
Amorim has agreed a contract until June 2027, with the option for a further year, and will begin work at United on Monday, November 11 having overseen Sporting Lisbon’s final matches before the international break.
The former Portugal international leaves in an €11 million (US$12 million) deal and, in an emotionally charged news conference, gave an in-depth rundown of the situation after masterminding Friday’s 5-1 league win at home to Estrela da Amadora.
Amorim said he always planned for this to be his last season at Sporting – he has coached the team since 2020 – and had changed his mind “many times” about what decision to take after United expressed its interest.
“The season started, we know that we started very well. And then this situation with Manchester United came.
“Manchester United appear, they pay above the compensation clause and the president defends the club’s interests. I never discussed anything with the president about this bargaining.
