The Portuguese tactician has openly stated that he had intended to remain with his home club until the season’s end.
Amorim arrived at Old Trafford in November and has been thrust into the relentless pace of English football, with games occurring frequently during the busy winter schedule. ..Continue Reading
Following Monday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United, Amorim disclosed that he had only managed to conduct four training sessions with his full squad since taking charge.
The Red Devils sit 17th in the Premier League form table since his debut game, a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town, and have been eliminated from the Carabao Cup after a 4-3 loss to Tottenham.
Amorim faces the possibility of six consecutive defeats, with a challenging league match against Liverpool and an FA Cup third-round tie at Arsenal next on his agenda for 2025.
United endured their worst-ever start to a season under Erik ten Hag, prompting the club’s decision-makers to part ways with the Dutchman after initially supporting him.
Thus, Amorim understood the enormity of the task at hand, taking over from Ten Hag and trying to improve an underperforming squad with a new system.
Amorim, 39, had expressed his preference to stay in Lisbon until the summer before United presented an ultimatum.
“The season started, we started very well, and then Manchester United came,” Amorim said after confirming he was leaving Sporting in the November international break.
“They pay above the compensation clause, and the president defends the club’s interests.
“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.”
If United hadn’t pressured Amorim into making a swift decision, he likely wouldn’t have ended up at Manchester United at all.
His public expression of regret for making that tough decision might have been an effort to maintain his reputation, considering the disappointment of Sporting’s supporters over his sudden departure.
However, it’s understandable if he still regrets his decision, given the stark contrast in his fortunes since the move.
