Rúben Amorim expressed that Sporting’s 4-1 victory over Manchester City was a dream farewell in his final home game as head coach but cautioned that when he takes charge of Manchester United, he cannot adopt the same defensive approach as the Portuguese champions. After Phil Foden scored the opening goal, Viktor Gyökeres’s hat-trick and a Maximiliano Araújo strike secured City’s first Champions League defeat of the season. However, Amorim was adamant that the result would not influence his approach at United.
“We cannot transfer one reality to another,” he stated. “United cannot play the way we play, they cannot be so defensive. Of course, it’s good to beat City. But I’ll be in a different world, we’ll have to start from a different point.” When asked if this was a dream way to sign off, he replied, “Yes. I couldn’t ask for anything better; it was a very important moment for all. But we had the luck – this was a one-off.”
Before the game, Amorim humorously remarked that some United fans might see him as the “new Ferguson” if Sporting defeated their great rivals. “I was playing with words when I said that I am not going to read anything for six months,” Amorim explained. “I am going to focus on the team.” At the end of the match, the 39-year-old received a standing ovation from the supporters and was lifted by his players.
“I thanked everyone for the win,” he said. “If we hadn’t won the match, the moment wouldn’t be so nice. It was better with a win over City. I wasn’t expecting to be raised in the air, I know what I did for them, and what they did for me. I will keep these memories with me forever. The most important moment for me was when we lost 5-0 to City [two years ago] and everyone applauded.”
Pep Guardiola remained resolute despite the defeat. “It’s a difficult moment, but I’m here and want to fight, I like these moments I don’t want to give up,” City’s manager said. “You cannot say much when you lose 4-1. Emotionally we were not stable enough. Emotionally we have to be more stable.
“It is what it is. Now it is difficult, but I want to fight and not give up. There is a challenge ahead of me.”
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