Jose Mourinho sends Man United message as Ruben Amorim reign kicks off
Jose Mourinho has contacted Ruben Amorim with a message about Man United as the new manager starts life at Old Trafford, the former Sporting coach has confirmed.
The 39-year-old confidently declared himself “the right man at the right moment” at United as he addressed the media for the first time as the club’s manager ahead of the trip to Ipswich on Sunday (24 November).
In 2018, Amorim visited Manchester for an internship at the start of his managerial career. During this period he received advice from then-Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho, who he revealed recently sent him a message of good luck for his new role.
“He sent me a message,” said Amorim of the now-Fenerbahce boss. “He said welcome to the club, he said it’s a big club and in that respect he’s correct. But a lot of things change, we are in a different building now, we are building a new one. I’m a different guy and I hope to teach something to my players. The club is still big, it is still the best in England and we want to win.
“For all the Portuguese coaches, he showed we can be the best in the world. It’s a small country, but I am different from Mourinho. You look at Mourinho and think he can be everywhere. He was European champion and I am not. Football these days is different and I think I am the right person for this moment, I am a young guy.”
Ruben Amorim should succeed for Man United at Old Trafford
Football Insider Opinion
The Portuguese manager’s first test as the Red Devil’s new boss is at Portman Road in what Chris Sutton believes is a “stinker” of an opening game.
Amorim made his managerial breakthrough at Braga, where he led the team to victory in the 2019-20 Taça da Liga (Portuguese League Cup) despite being new to top-flight coaching. His success attracted the attention of Sporting Lisbon, who paid a then-record €10million [£8.3m] release clause to secure his services.
At Sporting Lisbon, he ended their 19-year wait for a Primeira Liga title and delivered success in domestic cups. His fearless approach was evident in the Champions League this season, where his team defeated Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City 4-1 on 5 November, showcasing his ability to compete with the best.
The Portuguese ace’s signature 3-4-3 formation, built around dynamic wing play, disciplined defending, and swift transitions, could suit United’s current squad.
Known for nurturing young talent, such as Pedro Gonçalves and Nuno Mendes, he has the potential to build a United team capable of long-term success, in a way predecessor Mourinho was ultimately unable to do.
The Special One was sacked in 2018 after winning a League Cup and Europa League title, but was unable to replicate his Premier League success from two spells at Chelsea.
In other news, Ruben Amorim has made a decision over the future of Joshua Zirkzee at Man United.
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