New Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim says he is under no illusions about the difficulty of the task he faces when he moves to England from Portugal but he is looking forward to the challenge.
The Premier League club announced Amorim’s appointment earlier this month, with the 39-year-old Portuguese arriving from Sporting on on Monday on a contract until June 2027.
Amorim, who replaces sacked Dutchman Erik ten Hag at United, marked his final game as coach of Sporting with a 4-2 comeback victory at Braga on Sunday and says: “I feel ready 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…”
Considered one of Europe’s brightest young managers, Amorim’s first match is slated for November 24 at Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
United are 13th in the league on 15 points from 11 matches, four points adrift of Chelsea in third.
Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has guided the side to three wins and a draw in all competitions since Ten Hag was fired on October 28.
Of Van Nistelrooy, Amorim said on Sunday: “About a legend of the club. He did a great job. I have to talk with him tomorrow [yesterday].
“Then I will explain everything. I am very clear and I will tell you like it is. Let’s wait until [I meet with him].”
It's not just Carrington. It's home.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 11, 2024
A warm welcome for Ruben Amorim at our training ground ❤️#MUFC