Video footage has surfaced underlining Ruben Amorim’s emotional connection with his former Sporting CP players. It’s nearly a year since the Portuguese coach was appointed as Manchester United boss, taking over from the dismissed Erik ten Hag.
After his appointment was confirmed, Amorim oversaw three more Sporting matches – a dominant 5-1 thrashing of Estela in the Primeira Liga, an unforgettable 4-1 triumph over Manchester City in the Champions League and a remarkable comeback victory at Braga. Sporting were trailing 2-1 with fewer than 10 minutes remaining before securing a dramatic 4-2 win. It proved a perfect conclusion to Amorim’s successful tenure, which delivered two Primeira Liga championships.
His heartfelt final speech to the players has now been broadcast as part of a club documentary following the 2024/25 campaign. He addressed his squad: “I don’t like goodbyes. We’ll win the championship. There’s no turning back. The difference is huge, huge.
“What you did in the second half, wow! But now, is it going to be difficult? It’s going to be difficult for everyone. You have to help Quaresma, you have to help Pote, Geny, Ivan, who never plays, Esgaio. It’s going to be difficult.
“We’re going to win this s***… You guys are unbelievable, much better than on Tuesday [against City], much better. What I felt here in the second half… The third goal, the fourth goal, guys, it was the best football moment.”
Amorim was visibly emotional as his speech was punctuated by applause from the group. He continued: “Everything you need from me, everything, you’ll have.
“I’ll be cheering for you more than for myself. Thank you for everything, you’re the greatest, by far. Thank you for everything. No more goodbyes, okay, my boys?”.
It’s safe to say that Amorim hasn’t yet formed the same connection with his United squad, which he is still trying to mould into a cohesive unit. After finishing in the lower half of the table and suffering defeat in the Europa League final last season, expectations were high following a summer of significant investment in new players.
However, the Red Devils have had a poor start to the season, casting doubt over Amorim’s future at the club. That said, he has received backing from minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, while the 2-0 victory over Sunderland before the international break left them just six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
Amorim will be aiming to secure consecutive league victories for the first time as United boss when his team travels to Liverpool on Sunday.
