Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim says he was told it was “now or never” after initially asking to succeed Erik ten Hag at the end of the season.
Amorim was appointed as United’s new boss on Fridaysigning a contract that will run until the summer of 2027. The 39-year-old will officially take over on November 11, before the final international break of the year.
United moved quickly after that deciding to fire Ten Hag after sunday Defeat by 2-1 against West Ham United – a result that leaves United 14th in the Premier League table with just three wins from their opening nine games – and will pay just €10m in compensation to Amorim’s current company, Sporting CP.
Speaking to the media after Sporting maintained their perfect start to the 2024/25 Primeira Liga season with a 5-1 win over Estrela, Amorim revealed that he initially wanted to hold out before taking over the United, but was told it was not an option. by the red devils
“The season started, we started very well, and then Manchester United they came, they pay above the compensation clause and the president defends the interests of the club,” Amorim said. “I never discussed anything with the president. For three days I said I wanted to stay until the end of the season, but then they told me it wasn’t possible.
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“It was now or never, or Manchester would go for another option. So I had three days to make up my mind, to make a decision that would radically change my life.”
Amorim was heavily linked with both Liverpool and West Ham United in the summer, having established a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young managers, but said United were the club he I wanted to take the next step.
“I’ve had other opportunities, the president and (director of football) Hugo Viana can confirm that. It’s not the first or second time I’ve been asked by another team and I don’t want another team.
“After Sporting I wanted that one, Manchester, and I want this context because this context allows me to do things my way and the club believes in me like that. There is a time when I have to take a step forward in my career. That’s what was harder for me than for any Sporting fan, believe me, but I had to do it.”
