'It was now or never' - Ruben Amorim on why the Manchester United role was hard to turn down

'It was now or never' - Ruben Amorim on why the Manchester United role was hard to turn down

Evans Ousuru 08:30 - 02.11.2024

The Portuguese is expected to begin his Old Trafford tenure on November 11

Newly appointed Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has said circumstances played a part in his decision to accept the Old Trafford managerial role  mid-season.

The 39-year-old said he wanted to take the Red Devils job at the end of the season but accepted a mid-season appointment after being told it was now or never.

The two-time Portuguese league title winner with Sporting CP was finally confirmed on Friday after three days of intense negotiations with the Portuguese giants which included United paying above Amorim's release clause in order to secure his services. 

"The season started, we started very well, and then Manchester United came, they pay above the compensation clause and the president defends the club's interests," Amorim explained to the BBC. "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."

Speaking after the 5-1 thrashing of Estrela Amadora that maintained their perfect league start, he said Manchester United were ready to walk away from the negotiation table if he wasn't going to accept to  become their sixth permanent manager post Alex Ferguson era in the middle of the season.

Amorim, who is expected to come with his own backroom staff, will begin work on November 11 during the international break. "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."

Amorim has agreed a contract until June 2027. He has established a reputation as one of Europe's most promising managers, leading Sporting to two league titles, including the club's first in 19 years.

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