The incoming Manchester United manager, Rúben Amorim, has stated that supporters might view him as the 'new Sir Alex Ferguson' if his current team, Sporting, defeats Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday. He also mentioned that such a perception could complicate the expectations surrounding his impact at Old Trafford.
City's upcoming visit to the Estádio José Alvalade marks Amorim's final home game as Sporting's head coach before he assumes his role at United the following Monday. The 39-year-old's debut match as Erik ten Hag's successor is scheduled against Ipswich on November 24, followed by a trip to the Etihad Stadium on December 15 for his first derby against City.
When asked about potentially becoming a hero to United fans by securing a win over their local rivals this week, Amorim offered a cautious response. 'I don't think about that,' he said. 'My focus is on winning the match for Sporting. The conclusions are not important for me because they could be erroneous: if we win tomorrow, they will think the new Alex Ferguson has arrived. That will be very difficult. It could increase expectations, I don't know what is better when I start my new adventure.'
Amorim was also questioned about how facing City on Tuesday could benefit him when he encounters Guardiola's side in the Premier League. 'I think that tomorrow I will learn a lot during the matches, one thing to watch on TV another is to see it live,' he said. 'When I go to Man Utd, I will have a different idea, but I don't know what I will find.'
Amorim spent time at United's Carrington training base in 2018 while pursuing his coaching qualifications and was warmly welcomed by José Mourinho, the club's then Portuguese manager. Regarding whether he has spoken to Mourinho about his appointment, Amorim said, 'I haven't yet, he's full of games [at Fenerbahçe] and so am I.' He added, 'The impact [of my visit] had on my career was the way he treated me. He showed me that you can win everything and be a different person than you think. A special coach who opened the door. I will have time to talk to him, he is very experienced.'
City previously defeated Sporting 5-0 in a Champions League last-16 first leg tie two years ago. Although it was a challenging night for Amorim, he asserts that he has learned from the experience and moved forward. 'I feel like a better coach, but Guardiola is also a better coach,' he said. 'The distance [between us] remains. We play in different championships, but I feel like I have better players [than then]. We are prepared to make a more complete game. Let's see – tomorrow will be a good game to look at all these nuances.'
Regarding City's visit being his last in front of Sporting home fans, Amorim commented, 'I will be able to control my emotions. It is important to win. If so, it helps me to leave with more joy. There were many games here, some very remarkable moments, some very difficult. But it will be my last in Alvalade and it will be special.'
Hugo Viana, Sporting's director of football, will replace Txiki Begiristain as City's sporting director next summer. With Guardiola's future at the club uncertain, Amorim was asked if this made him consider the possibility of replacing the Catalan at the Premier League champions. 'Obviously, it is something that crosses your mind but I never had any doubt. My decision is made,' he said. 'I wanted Man United and that is what I did.'
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