Rúben Amorim has yet to receive his visa, despite officially starting his role as Manchester United’s head coach on Monday, and will be unable to conduct an initial training session. The 39-year-old Portuguese coach is set to travel to the club on Monday to commence his tenure. While United anticipates the visa to be granted shortly, it remains uncertain what responsibilities Amorim can undertake until then. Given that many United players are currently on international duty, the delay in obtaining a visa should not significantly impact Amorim’s plans, as his ability to work with the full squad was initially limited to starting on Thursday week, when all players are expected to return from international matches.
Amorim concluded his time at Sporting with a 4-2 victory away at Braga on Sunday evening, overcoming a 2-0 deficit at halftime. He leaves the Portuguese champions with an impeccable record of 11 wins from 11 games in the Primeira Liga this season. In his post-match comments, Amorim expressed his readiness for his new role. “It’s going to be difficult, I’m not under any illusions,” he said. “I feel prepared for the new challenge. I’m not naive; I know it’s going to be very different, very difficult. I’m at peace now, I can focus on my new job, and I’m looking forward to starting tomorrow.”
Amorim is the sixth permanent successor to Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired in May 2013, and inherits a team that remains unbeaten in the last four matches under caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. Van Nistelrooy concluded his interim tenure unbeaten, with three victories, the last being a 3-0 win over Leicester at Old Trafford on Sunday. The future of Van Nistelrooy under Amorim remains uncertain. “We will learn what the further plan is now,” he said. “I am here to support the club and wish to continue that. I was informed that after this block of four matches, there will be communication regarding the future, so I expect to hear today [Sunday] or tomorrow [Monday].”
Bruno Fernandes, who scored United’s opener against Leicester, commented: “Ruud van Nistelrooy feels the club, he loves the club, and he wants to bring joy to the players. He brought everyone with a smile to the games, just wanting us to enjoy it. We wanted to say goodbye to him as a manager properly because he did good things for us.” Regarding Amorim, Fernandes added: “It’s a new era, a new manager means everything changes, but what hasn’t changed is that this club has to get back to where it belongs.”
Leicester manager Steve Cooper provided updates on the injured Jamie Vardy and Ricardo Pereira. “Jamie’s situation is a bit inconclusive; he picked up a knock to his back last week and hasn’t been able to shake it off. We are still trying to work it out,” Cooper said. “Ricky has a more serious hamstring injury and will be ruled out for four months, which is a blow for him.”
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