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      Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1: Ruben Amorim produces tactical masterclass to make huge statement ahead of Man Utd move

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      THEY’LL be rolling out the red carpet for Ruben Amorim in Manchester on Monday now.And they should be having a whip round at Old Trafford to get Viktor Gyokeres to follow him to Old Trafford as soon as possible.Ruben Amorim said farewell to Sporting fans ahead of joining Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPGoal machine Viktor Gyokeres was on the scoresheet again with a clever finish over EdersonCredit: ReutersMaximiliano Araujo put Sporting ahead after a brilliant team move just seconds into the second-halfCredit: AFPGyokeres made it 3-1 from the spotCredit: RexErling Haaland saw a penalty hit the barCredit: ReutersGyokeres completed his hat-trick with another coolly dispatched penCredit: ReutersTogether they produced the ultimate fairytale farewell to the Jose Alvalade Stadium for the United-bound boss.What an extraordinary way to endear himself to his new fans.His team inflicted a first Champions League defeat in 90 minutes on Pep Guardiola’s mighty Manchester City since May 2022 – 32 matches ago.Not to mention the heaviest loss in any competition in over four years for the ‘noisy neighbours’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf this is the kind of entertainment that is heading for the Theatre of Dreams, then fasten your seatbelts.Gyokeres got a hat-trick – including two penalties – to enhance his reputation as one of the hottest properties in Europe.He could have had more too and looks exactly what goal-shy United need right now.  They say if you can’t be a good manager then be a lucky one – and Amorim certainly had his share of good fortune.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCity bossed the first-half and should have been out of sight – while Erling Haaland also uncharacteristically missed a second-half pen.But credit to Amorim and his team for hanging in there and then hitting the English champs with some stunning breakaways.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter The manager was given a huge ovation by the crowd before kick-off – while a huge banner showed the trophies he has won and simply said “thank you”.Yet he had expressed his worries before kick-off that the emotion of the last week might affect his players.And sure enough they began nervously despite their excellent start to the season and fell behind within four minutes.Keeper Franco Israel rolled a pass to Hidemasa Morita who didn’t look best pleased when he was dispossessed in the blink of an eye by Foden.The England ace took a couple more touches before thumping a shot past the Sporting keeper – who might be disappointed not to keep it out.Foden has now scored in eight of his last nine appearances in this competition and seems to be going through the gears after a slow start to the season.Yet the home side could have levelled within a couple of minutes as Gyokeres nipped in ahead of Rico Lewis and raced through on goal from his own half.The in-form former Coventry man never looked confident though as Ederson stood up to him and his chipped effort was weak.Back at the other end, Haaland saw one chance clawed away by Israel and blazed another wide after a delightful pass from Matheus Nunes.The Norwegian was getting plenty of opportunities and saw a looping header hoofed off the line before Israel flung himself to keep out a volley.Haaland was being made to wait for his 45th goal in this competition – but you know with him it wont be long.Stand-in skipper Bernardo Silva latched onto a cheeky back-heel from Foden but steered his shot just past the post.Sporting have won all ten of their domestic league games this season and were neck-and-neck with City in the table.City should have been out of sight given their chance – they weren’t though – and were made to pay shortly before the break.Geovany Quenda found Gyokeres and this time he held off teenage defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey before clipping home his shot.The Swedish forward – who now has 25 goals this season for club and country – is a huge cult figure in Lisbon and the fans went wild.Don’t be surprised if a bid comes in from Old Trafford before long.As the home fans celebrated, Amorim called a quartet of players over to dish out some tactical advice. No sign of him clocking off early.He can clearly give a half-time team talk too as his side came roaring out for the second-half.Just 19 seconds after the restart the home side were ahead as Pedro Goncalves threaded a pass to Max Araujo whose shot went straight through Ederson.Sporting fans unveiled a huge tifo to say goodbye to AmorimCredit: TNT SPORTSThe home fans were still celebrating as Josko Gvardiol lost the ball on the left and then upended Francisco Trincao.It was a clear penalty and Gyokeres did the rest – sending the City keeper the wrong way with an emphatic spot-kick.City were shell-shocked as they faced up to the prospect of losing three games in a row for the first time in six years.They got a lifeline midway through the second-half as Silva’s shot hit the arm of Ousmane Diomande.After a long VAR check a penalty was given and after an even longer wait, Haaland hammered his spot-kick against the bar.It was clearly Amorim’s night – and not City’s.And that much was clear as former Sporting star Nunes shoved over Geny Catamo in the box to earn the third pen of the night.READ MORE SUN STORIESGyokeres kept his cool and rattled in from the spot again to spark more bedlam and complete his hat-trick.Welcome to Manchester, Ruben Amorim.Phil Foden opened the scoring after just four minutesCredit: Getty More

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      Sporting Lisbon fans unveil stunning two-tier Ruben Amorim banner bigger than centre circle ahead of exit for Man Utd

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      SPORTING fans unfurled a huge banner in tribute to Ruben Amorim ahead of this evening’s clash with Manchester City.Amorim, 39, was taking charge of his final home game in charge of the Portuguese giants ahead of his move to Manchester United.Sporting fans unfurled an incredible bannerCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, accepted the adulation of the fansCredit: GettyThe Portuguese’s side took on Manchester CityCredit: ReutersRather than show any bitterness towards their outgoing coach, Sporting fans expressed their immense gratitude.Ahead of kick-off they unfurled an enormous banner even bigger than the centre circle.It featured an illustration of Amorim with his arms folded, as well as the five trophies he won as Sporting boss.The banner read “Obrigado” – Portuguese for “thank you”.READ MORE ON RUBEN AMORIMAmorim joined Sporting as boss in 2020 following a season at Braga.As their boss he won two league titles, two domestic cups and one Super Cup.He will take charge of his final game in charge away to his former side Braga on Sunday.Amorim is then set to formally begin work as Man Utd boss on Monday.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAhead of the clash with Man City, Amorim was involved in an awkward exchange with a British reporter.In his pre-match press conference, Amorim was asked about potentially getting one over United’s rivals City by Sky Sports’ Gary Cotterill.Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd When the incoming Man Utd boss politely refused to speak English, Cotterill bizarrely claimed: “It’s like a cold shoulder to your English fans.”Amorim laughed off the comment, and was backed up by hordes of fans online.The banner read ‘Obrigado’ – meaning thank you in PortugueseCredit: EPA More

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      Fans ‘cringe so hard’ at ‘incredibly awkward’ Ruben Amorim interview as new Man Utd manager is grilled by reporter

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      RUBEN AMORIM was involved in an awkward moment with an English journalist ahead of Sporting Lisbon’s game against Manchester City.The new Manchester United manager, 39, will face off against Pep Guardiola’s side in the Champions League on Tuesday night.Ruben Amorim had an awkward exchange in his press conference on TuesdayCredit: PAHe was unwilling to speak English which led to a moment fans labelled ‘cringe’Credit: XHe has the opportunity to beat the Red Devils’ local rivals before he even arrives at Old Trafford on November 11.And on Monday he was quizzed about earning a win over the Premier League champions by Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill.But Cotterill was keen for Amorim to speak in English… which led to an awkward moment between the pair.The Sky Sports journalist asked: “I wondered if you were aware that obviously to win tomorrow night will be brilliant for your current club [Sporting] but also brilliant for your new club [Man Utd].READ MORE ON MAN UTD”You could be a hero even before you get on a plane to Manchester. Has that crossed your mind? In English please.”A sheepish Amorim, who has been praised already for his excellent English skills, replied: “Sorry, I cannot speak in English now.”Cotterill proceeded to ask “why” on two occasions, before Amorim added: “I’m sorry, they [the other journalists] will miss me in Portuguese so I have to speak in Portuguese.”Cotterill said: “They’ve had about 25 minutes in Portuguese. We want 10 seconds in English.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe press officer then intervened to say: “We will proceed in Portuguese, next week you can hear him talking English.”Before Cotterill added: “It’s like a cold shoulder to your English fans.”How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyAmorim laughed off the comment, but those on social media were quick to react.One said: “Cringing so hard watching this clip. Fair play to Amorim for keeping his cool.”Another added: “He shoulda trolled the journalist in Portuguese. Easy pickings.”A third responded: “This is stomach-churning.”And a fourth said: “Huge respect to Ruben Amorim for standing firm on his beliefs.”The less said about having to answer questions in English whilst he’s in Portugal the better 🤦🏿‍♂️.”Amorim’s first game in charge of Man Utd comes away at Ipswich on November 24.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      Erling Haaland suffers injury scare in Man City training just hours before Sporting clash and left writhing in pain

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      ERLING HAALAND appeared to suffer an injury scare in training ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Sporting Lisbon.City face the Portuguese champions, who are still managed by new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, in the Champions League on Tuesday night.Erling Haaland suffered an injury scare in trainingCredit: ReutersThe striker went down clutching his leg and was pictured rolling in painCredit: ReutersHaaland grimaced before slowly climbing back onto his feetCredit: ReutersHe has still been named in the squad to face Sporting tomorrowCredit: GettySeveral of Haaland’s team-mates are already in the treatment roomCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola’s men trained at their usual base this afternoon before flying out to Portugal later on Monday.And during the first 15 minutes of the session, Haaland went down hurt and was left writhing in pain.The striker hit the deck after briefly moving gingerly, with the injury not sustained due to contact with another player.He rolled around on the floor and was seen clutching his right leg while grimacing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaaland required treatment on the same area during 2-1 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.Phil Foden went over to Haaland and quickly made sure he was OK before carrying on with training.The man with 14 goals in 14 games for City in all competitions this season soon slowly got back to his feet but remained hunched over for short time.He was later seen smiling and seemingly continued to join in with the session.Most read in Champions LeagueHaaland has also been named in City’s squad for Tuesday’s game.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut their treatment room is already full of absentees with Ruben Dias, John Stones, Rodri, Oscar Bobb and Jack Grealish all out injured.However, the champions have been boosted by the returns of Savinho and Kevin De Bruyne.Both were unused subs in the Bournemouth loss and are nearing full fitness.Asked if Haaland’s needs a rest, Guardiola said pre-match: “I don’t think so – maybe he’ll get one in the international break.”On other injuries, the manager added: “Most of them Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake are still with problems.“De Bruyne is getting better, he’s having sessions with less pain so we feel that he feels more comfortable.“That is excellent news for all of us and Kyle Walker as well with problems with his knee since he was with the national team.“The rest, Jeremy Doku has had a little problems with muscular issues, Savinho is getting better with his ankle, the rest are fine.”Haaland picked up an injury on the same leg against BournemouthCredit: Reuters More

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      Viktor Gyokeres ‘REJECTS Man Utd as red-hot striker believes Ruben Amorim only positive aspect of chaos club’

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES does not want to follow Ruben Amorim to Manchester United, according to reports.The former Coventry and Brighton striker, 26, has been in red-hot form for Sporting.Viktor Gyokeres has been in red-hot form for SportingCredit: RexRuben Amorim will begin work at Man Utd on November 11Credit: GettyAfter Amorim was confirmed as Erik ten Hag’s Old Trafford successor, it was speculated that he could attempt to raid Sporting for Gyokeres next summer.According to Portuguese outlet Record, however, Gyokeres is not keen on the idea.They claim that he has “turned his nose up” at the prospect of joining Man Utd.It’s then added that Gyokeres believes that Amorim’s presence would be the only positive aspect of moving to Old Trafford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe striker joined Sporting from Coventry for around £20million in the summer of 2023.He immediately took to life in Portugal, and has been in outrageous form this season.Gyokeres has scored 16 goals in just 10 league appearances this term.The Swede has also bagged Champions League goals against Lille and Strum Graz.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGyokeres scored four times as Sporting routed Estrela Amadora 5-1 in their first match since Amorim’s upcoming exit was confirmed.The new United boss will remain with the Portuguese side until beginning work at Old Trafford on November 11.Watch as Sporting CP’s fans jeer at new Manchester United Manager Rúben AmorimAfter the game, Gyokeres was asked about the prospect of joining Amorim in Manchester.He said: “I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about.”I’m enjoying it here.”Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      ‘He can do with Hojlund what he did with Gyokeres’ – Amorim backed for Man Utd success by boss who managed him as player

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      QUIQUE SANCHEZ FLORES has tipped Ruben Amorim to be a hit at Manchester United — because he knows what buttons to push with the modern-day footballer.The  Portuguese, 39, is tasked with reviving sacked manager Erik ten Hag’s squad when he leaves Sporting Lisbon to start work at Old Trafford a week tomorrow.Ruben Amorim left Sporting Lisbon for Man UtdCredit: PARasmus Hojlund’s future will be in doubtCredit: RexSpaniard Sanchez Flores managed Amorim when he played for Benfica in 2008-09.The ex-Watford chief said: “I remember him as a clever, elegant and committed footballer. He was always close to his team-mates.“The way his teams play reflects a high standard of discipline.“He has a similar work ethic to former United manager Jose Mourinho. Only time will tell if Ruben can reach his level.READ MORE MAN UTD“But, more importantly, he understands the mentality of the players in this new generation.”Asked whether Amorim can turn United’s hit-and-miss £64million striker Rasmus Hojlund into a deadly finisher like Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, with 59 goals in 65 outings for the club,  Sanchez Flores quoted Rudyard Kipling.He said: “With respect to Hojlund, the pack is the strength of the wolves. He is a good striker but he will only hit his high standards again if the team changes its level of performance.“And Ruben now has the chance to train very good players in Manchester. Yes, he can do with Hojlund what he did with Gyokeres.”Most read in FootballThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIncredibly, Amorim kick-started his football career by playing in a trial at Portuguese club Belenenses with a BROKEN ARM!His childhood friend Bruno Simao told the BBC: “I said I’d speak with the coach to fix up a game.Watch as Sporting CP’s fans jeer at new Manchester United Manager Rúben Amorim“Ruben replied, ‘I cannot play, I broke my arm’. I said, ‘Don’t worry, I’m sure the coach will see you’. “Ruben was centre-back and the coaches told the players, ‘Take care of him because of his arm’.“That was the start of his playing career.”Antonio Veloso, a professor at the University of Lisbon where Amorim studied a degree in high performance coaching, added: “Ruben had a tremendous tactical knowledge and understanding of what coaching was about.”Amorim could swoop for Viktor GyokeresCredit: Getty More

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      Sporting expect Ruben Amorim to raid his old club for Man Utd next summer with THREE stars tipped for pricey transfers

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      RUBEN AMORIM revealed he will not sign any Sporting Lisbon stars in January.But the new Manchester United boss refuses to rule out a summer move for sensation Viktor Gyokeres.Ruben Amorim could bring three Sporting Lisbon players to Manchester UnitedCredit: EPAViktor Gyokeres has been linked with Man Utd but is also being monitored by ArsenalCredit: PAUnited have only scored eight goals in nine top-flight games this season.Ex-Coventry striker Gyokeres, 26, has already netted 18 times so far — having hit 43 last term — but the Swede’s release clause is £84million.Amorim said: “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January. Gyokeres costs 100 million and it’s very difficult.”Despite promising not to make any moves when the winter transfer window opens, Sporting bosses are privately admitting they expect Amorim to come in for his former players next summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDGyokeres — also being followed closely by Arsenal — refused to rule out a potential move to the Premier League.He said: “Going with Amorim to Man Utd? I don’t know… I’m here.“As you can see, I enjoy it at Sporting. It’s nothing I think about.“I’m just sad about him leaving. We wish him all the best.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.Goncalo Inacio is another player Amorim could look to take with him to Old TraffordCredit: GettyAnother player Amorim could move for is centre-back Ousmane Diomande.Portuguese Amorim, meanwhile, has yet to speak to any of United’s players, including countrymen Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.Ruben Amorim showed flashes of a young Jose Mourinho is his latest press conference – and teased a big announcementAhead of joining on November 11, he added: “As for United, I haven’t spoken to anyone — not even the players. I’m focused on Sporting.”Ex-Red Devils winger Nani is backing Amorim to be a success.Nani said: “He is in an excellent place and has all the conditions to do well.”Morten Hjulmand is the third man Amorim may bid for as Man Utd bossCredit: Getty More

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      Loose-lipped Amorim’s incredible Sporting press-conference shows new Man Utd boss will be non-stop entertainment in Prem

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      RUBEN AMORIM accepts he is a nightmare for the press officers who sit next to him at each media conference.They often want him to stop talking but here is a man who does not believe that silence is golden.Ruben Amorim was refreshingly honest in his press conference on Friday nightCredit: EPAHe revealed he wanted to stay at Sporting Lisbon until the end of the seasonCredit: EPAThis is why he will be enormously entertaining once he gets his feet under the table at Old Trafford.Although Amorim has never been one to criticise referees, you still get the feeling the Portuguese will talk himself into trouble over other issues once he is properly settled in English football.Admittedly, in his first press conference since being confirmed as United manager — after the outgoing Sporting Lisbon boss oversaw a 5-1 win over Estrela Amadora on Friday — he refused to speak about his new employers in Manchester.He also avoided talking about facing Manchester City, Sporting’s Champions League opponents on Tuesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNevertheless, speaking 11 hours after the Red Devils announced his appointment, Amorim delivered a string of fascinating soundbites, most of which were completely unprompted.He also apologised to Sporting’s media man, sitting to his right, for ignoring the club’s pleas during the week for him to not to talk to the media about the speculation with United.Amorim, 39, has agreed a £6.5million-a-year deal at United but — remarkably — has claimed he turned down THREE TIMES that amount from another club who met his £8.3m buy-out clause.He spoke to West Ham and Liverpool in the summer but they did not make a firm offer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile his claim of being offered nearly £20m a season surprised even the most well-briefed Sporting journalists, the feeling is that this club could have been Chelsea, who spoke to Amorim in 2023.But £20m a year would have been a huge amount, even by their money-is-no-object standards.Watch as Sporting CP’s fans jeer at new Manchester United Manager Rúben AmorimDuring his 30-minute press conference, Amorim seemed more serious compared to his previous media appearances during the week.You can imagine what he might look like after a season in Manchester if things do not go to plan.Amorim insisted that he was only ever interested in United — although he was bound to say that.He then revealed he wanted to remain in Lisbon and move to the Premier League at the end of this season.United said it had to be now and you could hardly blame them.Amorim also revealed he told Sporting at the start of the season that this would be his last year at the club.But despite the approach of United after the sacking of Erik ten Hag, Amorim conceded it was still not a straightforward decision to leave Sporting and he agonised over taking the plunge.He said: “United came along, paid the clause, above the clause, and the chairman defended his interests.“The only request I made to United was that it would be at the end of the season and they told me that wasn’t possible, that it was now or never.“I had three days to decide on something that would completely change my life. It’s not the first time that I’ve had my clause paid by another club.“Nor is it the second. It’s very hard for me to leave.“The club knew that if I rejected it, I wouldn’t have it in six months.“And I knew that in six months I would know that I wouldn’t be at Sporting. The only club that I wanted, and that moved me, was United.“It got to a point where I had to decide — and I did. Now I’m going home much more relaxed.“I would earn three times more with the last club that offered to pay my clause. I gave everything I had for the club.“I changed my mind several times. My concern is not to harm the Sporting team. And we’ll see later. I’ll have that concern when I’m at United.”After the midweek Champions League clash against City, Amorim will head to his former club Braga next Sunday when he will wave goodbye to Portuguese football for now.He heads to Manchester a week tomorrow and that will be the day Sporting plan to name their next manager, which is expected to be B team boss Joao Pereira.While there remains some anger at the timing of Amorim’s departure, many Sporting fans have taken the news well.And the majority gave him a good reception before and after Friday’s 5-1 Primeira Liga win.And he has certainly left Sporting in a good place. Having already won the title twice, they are top with a 100 per cent record from ten games. They are also unbeaten in the Champions League after three games and are in eighth spot.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim added: “I’m leaving here today feeling much more relieved. I was a little surprised by the fans’ reaction.“But I’m more relieved that everything is clearer now. My smile is always there but it’s a difficult time.”Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More