It’s been nearly a year since the Portuguese manager stepped into the role at Manchester United, succeeding the dismissed Erik ten Hag.
After his appointment was confirmed, Amorim oversaw three more matches for Sporting — a 5-1 rout of Estela in the Primeira Liga, a memorable 4-1 triumph over Manchester City in the Champions League, and a dramatic comeback win at Braga.
Sporting were trailing 2-1 with under 10 minutes remaining before turning the game around to win 4-2.
It was a fitting conclusion to Amorim’s successful tenure, which featured two Primeira Liga championships. His heartfelt final speech to the team has now been featured in a club documentary covering the 2024/25 season.
He told his squad: “I don’t like goodbyes. We’ll win the championship. There’s no turning back. The difference is huge, huge.
“What you did in the second half, wow! But now, is it going to be difficult? It’s going to be difficult for everyone. You have to help Quaresma, you have to help Pote, Geny, Ivan, who never plays, Esgaio. It’s going to be difficult.
“We’re going to win this s***… You guys are unbelievable, much better than on Tuesday [against City], much better. What I felt here in the second half… The third goal, the fourth goal, guys, it was the best football moment.”
By then, Amorim was visibly emotional, and his remarks were met with applause from the players. He continued: “Everything you need from me, everything, you’ll have.
“I’ll be cheering for you more than for myself. Thank you for everything, you’re the greatest, by far. Thank you for everything. No more goodbyes, okay, my boys?”
Since arriving at Old Trafford, Amorim has yet to build the same connection with his Manchester United squad, and results have been inconsistent.
After finishing in the lower half of the table and falling short in the Europa League final last season, expectations were high following a summer of significant investment.
Yet, United’s rocky start has led to questions about Amorim’s future. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has offered public support, and the recent 2-0 victory over Sunderland before the international break has brought them within six points of league leaders Arsenal.
Amorim will aim to secure consecutive league wins for the first time as United manager when his team travels to face Liverpool on Sunday.
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