"They are in a better place" Amorim looks ahead to Manchester City clash
Jonathan Gorrie
©Evening Standard
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has played down suggestions he was close to joining Manchester City.
The 39-year-old will on Sunday take charge of his first Manchester derby, having joined United from Sporting CP last month.
Amorim had built a reputation as one of the most exciting young managers in European football during his time with the Lisbon giants, ending their 19-year wait for a league title back in 2021.
As a result, the Portuguese tactician was touted as a target for a number of heavyweight European clubs.
West Ham held talks earlier this year, while Liverpool were linked with a move following Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
Hugo Viana, who worked with Amorim at Sporting, was named as Txiki Begiristain’s successor as City’s sporting director in October and was reportedly interested in bringing him to the Etihad Stadium if Pep Guardiola left at the end of the current season.
Amorim, however, soon joined United while Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension at City.
Now, the two will meet again in Sunday’s Manchester derby, the first time they’ve faced off since Amorim’s Sporting smashed City 4-1 in the Champions League last month.
Asked about the links with City, Amorim said: “I never had [conversations]. This was my only option.
“When Manchester United talked to me, I have no doubts because I already had something in my mind that it could be a possibility.”
Amorim has confirmed defender Jonny Evans has trained ahead of the derby, meaning he has almost a fully fit squad from which to choose. Luke Shaw is the only absentee.