Rúben Amorim, the highly regarded head coach of Sporting CP, has opened up about the speculation surrounding his future, admitting that he briefly considered the possibility of joining Manchester City before ultimately deciding on Manchester United as his next managerial destination. The 39-year-old Portuguese coach, who has been a rising star in European football management, was in the midst of an impressive run at Sporting CP when he became a key figure in the coaching world’s transfer rumor mill.
Amorim’s comments come just days before he takes charge of his final home fixture for Sporting, a high-stakes Champions League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday night. The match could mark a poignant moment for Amorim as he prepares to leave Lisbon after several successful years with the club. His decision to join Manchester United, which he announced last week, has left fans and pundits alike intrigued by his next chapter in the Premier League. However, Amorim has now revealed that his potential future with Manchester City was also a point of contemplation during the past few weeks.
### A Brief Link to Manchester City
While many expected Amorim’s name to be linked with some of the biggest clubs across Europe, the connection to Manchester City came as a surprise to some. The English Premier League giants were reportedly interested in bringing in the Sporting CP boss to potentially succeed Txiki Begiristain, their long-serving director of football, whose departure was confirmed for the end of the season. In fact, Manchester City quickly appointed Sporting CP’s current director of football, Hugo Viana, as Begiristain’s replacement, which naturally led to further speculation regarding Amorim’s future at the Etihad.
However, in a candid interview, Amorim admitted that although he briefly thought about the possibility of working with Manchester City and Viana, he always had his sights firmly set on Old Trafford. “It crossed my mind, yes,” he confessed. “There was a lot of speculation about my future, and the possibility of working at the Etihad Stadium was something I thought about. But ultimately, I’ve made my decision. I know the club I want to work for, and it has always been Manchester United. That’s where I want to continue my career as a coach.”
The decision to choose Manchester United over Manchester City reflects Amorim’s personal ambitions and long-term goals. Despite the incredible success that City has enjoyed under Pep Guardiola’s reign, Amorim’s focus has always been on the challenge of rebuilding and restoring one of the world’s most iconic football clubs: Manchester United.
### The Manchester United Opportunity
Amorim’s decision to join Manchester United, replacing Erik ten Hag as head coach, sent shockwaves through the football world. After a disappointing start to the 2024-25 season, United moved quickly to appoint Amorim, a manager whose tactical acumen and potential for growth were highly regarded. While there had been widespread speculation about various managerial candidates to replace ten Hag, Amorim’s name quickly rose to the top of the list.
The 39-year-old’s appointment was confirmed just two weeks after City announced the hiring of Viana, a move that fueled rumors of a potential rivalry between the two Manchester clubs in the near future, with both now led by figures with strong links to Portuguese football. Amorim’s decision, however, seems to be driven more by his desire for the challenge that Manchester United offers, rather than any potential moves within City’s hierarchy.
Amorim’s track record at Sporting CP speaks for itself. He took over as head coach in 2020 and immediately impressed with his ability to integrate youth into the first team and secure a first Primeira Liga title for the club in 19 years. His approach to football—emphasizing high pressing, quick transitions, and tactical flexibility—caught the attention of top clubs across Europe. His work with players such as João Palhinha, Nuno Mendes, and Pedro Gonçalves has earned him significant praise, and his tactical prowess is regarded as one of the best in Portugal.
Now, with a move to one of the biggest clubs in the world, Amorim is set to face a different kind of pressure—one that comes with managing the expectations of Manchester United’s passionate fanbase and navigating the complexities of the Premier League. But Amorim is undeterred by the weight of the challenge and is excited about the opportunity to work with United’s talented squad.
### A Farewell to Sporting CP
Amorim’s tenure at Sporting CP will come to an emotional end after the upcoming Champions League fixture against Manchester City. It marks the culmination of a period of significant success for the Portuguese coach at the Lisbon club, one that saw Sporting return to the top of Portuguese football after a long absence. Under Amorim, Sporting became a dominant force domestically and even enjoyed success in Europe, with consistent participation in the Champions League group stages.
Taking charge of his last home fixture at the José Alvalade Stadium, Amorim will undoubtedly be reflecting on the impact he has had at Sporting CP. His connection with the club’s supporters is undeniable, and his departure will leave a void that will be hard to fill. However, Amorim’s legacy at Sporting will be remembered for his leadership, his emphasis on youth development, and his ability to take a club with limited resources and turn it into a competitive force both in Portugal and on the continent.
### Looking Ahead to Manchester United
As Amorim prepares to leave Sporting CP and step into the managerial hot seat at Manchester United, his focus will undoubtedly shift toward the challenges awaiting him in England. His first task will be to restore United’s position among Europe’s elite, a daunting challenge that requires both short-term success and long-term planning.
Amorim’s strategic approach, coupled with his tactical flexibility and experience in managing top-tier talent, make him an exciting prospect for Manchester United. His ability to inspire and develop young players will also be crucial as United looks to integrate the next generation of footballing talent into the first team.
While the road ahead will undoubtedly be difficult, Amorim’s passion for coaching and his unwavering commitment to excellence will serve him well at Old Trafford. The Manchester derby, with City on one side and United on the other, is set to be a thrilling spectacle in the years to come, and it’s clear that Amorim will be ready to face the challenges head-on.
For now, though, Amorim’s thoughts are with Sporting CP, as he bids farewell to a club that gave him the platform to showcase his managerial talent. And as the final whistle blows on his last home fixture on Tuesday night, Amorim will turn his attention to what lies ahead: a new chapter at Manchester United, where his journey in English football is about to begin.