Amorim explains ‘really hard’ decision to leave Sporting Lisbon

New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorin has explained why he simply couldn't turn down the opportunity to manage the club.

Amorim took over at Old Trafford during the international break after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract. He replaced Erik ten Hag and took over from interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Portuguese was in Manchester this week to adapt to his new job as head coach of the Red Devils after leaving Sporting Lisbon in his home country.

Amorin, widely regarded as one of Europe's top coaches, took charge of his first training session on Monday.

The 39-year-old has faced some criticism in Portugal for 'letting Sporting down' during the season and has spoken about the decision in an interview with United legend Gary Neville on Sky Sports.

“It was very difficult, but I had to do it,” Amorin told Marcel. I already had conversations with clubs, so that was very normal, but what I felt at the time was that this was my place.'

The comment brought a smile from Neville, who spent his entire playing career at United.

“I think it was the right club at the right time for me,” Amorin continued. 'I felt that this is my place. I think it was the right club at the right time for me.

'It was very difficult to leave Sporting. Because in the middle of the season you can say anything: it's Manchester United. It's everything, it's the moment, it's the club I want.

“But you leave your boys in the middle of the season. It was very difficult, but I had to do it and of course I was so happy.

“You can see it in every interaction I have, but I also felt like it was a little overwhelming at first. But after five minutes you start thinking about the club, the team, the players, how to play… so it was quite fun.”

Amorim has arrived as 'head coach', the first in United's history, and it is part of an overhaul of the structure led by CEO Omar Berrada, director of football Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.

Although he will have the opportunity to bring in his own players over time, there is a feeling internally at United that there are players at the club who can produce much more than they have shown so far.

Amorin led Sporting to two league titles since taking charge in 2020, leaving the club in the middle of another successful campaign.

Sporting sit six points clear at the top of the Portuguese top flight and are second in the 36-team Champions League table.

Amorin will start his tenure with a trip to Ipswich, who will have renewed confidence after their shock 2-1 win over Tottenham last time out.

United start this weekend 13th in the Premier League with just 15 points from their first eleven games this season.

After taking on Ipswich, the Red Devils will host Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League four days later.

United have taken six points from a possible 12 in Europe this season, after drawing against Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce before beating PAOK Salonika.