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Ruben Amorim opens up on "very tough" week following Man United appointment

'It's been very tough' - Amorim opens up on taking Man United job
© Imago
Outgoing Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim admits that it has been a difficult week following his appointment as Manchester United's new head coach.

Outgoing Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has admitted that it has been a "very tough" week after he was recently appointed Man United's new head coach.

Amorim emerged as Man United's number one managerial target following the club's decision to sack Erik ten Hag on October 28.

Man United announced on Friday that Amorim would become their head coach after they had agreed a €11m (£9.2m) compensation package with Sporting.

Despite being announced as Man United's new boss, Amorim will remain in his post at Sporting until he officially joins the Red Devils on November 11.

On Friday evening, Amorim received a standing ovation ahead of Sporting's 5-1 win over Estrela Amadora at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim before the match on November 1, 2024© Imago

Amorim opens up on difficult week

However, the Sporting boss was also the subject of a banner displayed outside the stadium which read: "Amorim, this is no longer your home, thank you!!"

The 39-year-old is now preparing for his final home game as Sporting manager, with his side set to take on Manchester City in Tuesday's Champions League clash.

Ahead of the contest, Amorim has admitted that it has been a week of mixed emotions despite the fact he has accepted a job with "one of the best clubs in the world".

"[It's been] very tough," Amorim told TNT Sports. "The worst and best week of my life. I don't have another way to explain.

"Very tough because I'm leaving because I'm leaving a very good place but I'm going to one of the best clubs in the world so it has been very tough but it is what it is."

Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim on September 27, 2024© Imago

Amorim discusses Viana friendship

Amorim is not the only key figure set to depart Sporting for Manchester, with Hugo Viana set to leave his position as sporting director to take up the same role at Man City next summer.

Despite the rivalry between the two Manchester clubs, Amorim insists that he will remain friends with Viana after forming a successful relationship during their time with the Portuguese giants.

Amorim added: "We will be friends until the end, but I have my way and I chose Man United, Man United is my club, Man City is his club.

"It's going to be fun, I hope to help Man United to improve and he will do the same...it's hard to improve Man City at the moment! I chose my path and my path is Man United."

After overseeing Tuesday's Champions League fixture, Amorim will take charge of his final game as Sporting boss in Sunday's away league meeting with Braga.

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Ben Sully

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Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim on October 21, 2023
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