Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has broken his silence on his run-in with Ed Sheeran after Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town. The singer-songwriter received mass backlash for interrupting Amorim’s first post-match interview as United boss to catch up with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp at Portman Road.
Sheeran, a huge Ipswich supporter and investor, was in attendance as the Red Devils laboured to a stalemate against the Premier League strugglers.
Amorim wore a face of thunder when the 33-year-old crashed his pitchside interview on live TV, which briefly diverted the discussion away from the match.
It sparked a wave of theories online that the Portuguese coach was left fuming by Sheeran’s blunder, which he fuelled by later admitting he didn’t his increased media commitments in England.
On Monday, Sheeran took to Instagram to apologise to Amorim for his behaviour, insisting he was unaware an interview was ongoing when he spotted Redknapp.
“Apologies if I offended Amorim yesterday. I didn’t realise he was actually being interviewed at the time. I was popping in to say hi and bye to Jamie,” the ‘Shape of You’ artist penned.
“Obz feel a bit of a b***end but life goes on. Great game though, congrats to all involved x.”
But Amorim has cleared the air, clarifying that Sheeran’s antics didn’t bother him as much as it has been painted this week.
“Here, you are used to seeing that [moments like the Sheeran incident on live TV]. In Portugal, it is so different,” Amorim explained ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Bodo/Glimt.
“I think you sometimes overcomplicate things [in England]… It was nothing. It was a simple question or saying hello to one of the commentators, you call it commentators?”
Amorim added a jibe at the end of his answer, paying tribute to United icon Roy Keane, who looked similarly unimpressed by Sheeran’s behaviour on the punditry panel.
He continued: “So, for me, it was nothing; I was just thinking of the game. And I was with Roy Keane, and Roy Keane was the real star on that panel! So, for me, it was really, really okay. It was nothing special.”
Amorim will stand in the Old Trafford technical area for the first time as United head coach when Bodo/Glimt descend on M16.
The 39-year-old is sure to crave his maiden victory since taking charge and will look to continue an unbeaten start to the Europa League campaign.
Erik ten Hag oversaw three draws – despite leading in each game – before his sacking. Ruud van Nistelrooy later guided the Red Devils to a 2-0 win against Greek champions PAOK.
Amorim will have a proper feel for Old Trafford by the end of the week, with Everton also set to visit in the Premier League on Sunday.