A tearful Ruben Amorim told his players what he thought of them as he signed off
Ruben Amorim following his final game as Sporting boss
Ruben Amorim following his final game as Sporting boss(Image: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Footage of Ruben Amorim’s tearful goodbye to his Sporting CP players has emerged. It’s almost a year since the Portuguese coach took over as Manchester United boss, replacing the sacked Erik ten Hag.
Following confirmation of his appointment, Amorim managed three further Sporting games, a 5-1 drubbing of Estela in the Primeira Liga, a memorable 4-1 win over Manchester City in the Champions League and a stunning fightback victory at Braga. Sporting trailed 2-1 with less than 10 minutes to go before triumphing 4-2.
It was a fitting way for Amorim to sign off from his success-filled reign, which included two Primeira Liga titles. Now, his emotional final address to his players has been aired as part of a club documentary that chronicles the 2024/25 season.
He told 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.”
By that point Amorim was welling up while his speech was interrupted by a round of applause from the group. He went on: “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 fair to say Amorim hasn’t struck up the same bond with his United squad, which he is still struggling to get a tune out of. After finishing in lower mid-table and losing in the final of the Europa League last season, hopes were high after a summer of heavy spending in the transfer market.
Ruben Amorim and his Sporting players
Amorim and his players after a dramatic win over Braga in his final game
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However, the Red Devils have endured a tough start, raising doubts about Amorim’s future. He has received a vote of confidence from minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, while the 2-0 win over Sunderland before the international left them just six points behind leaders Arsenal.
Amorim will be looking to complete back-to-back league wins for the first time as United boss when his side makes the short trip to Liverpool on Sunday.
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