Ruben Amorim has revealed that he plans to change a pre-match ritual he used during his dominant reign as Sporting head coach to try to improve results at Manchester United. The Portuguese tactician's superstitions served him well before he landed at Old Trafford, but he has endured a disastrous start to life in England.
Amorim has won just 11 and lost 10 of his first 25 games in charge of United, watching his side concede as many goals as they've scored (46). The Red Devils have crashed out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup under his watch while slumping to 14th in the Premier League, having been four points adrift of the top four when he arrived. And Amorim admits he is ready to take drastic measures to try to overturn his early fortunes and become a success in M16.
Ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash against Real Sociedad, Amorim sat down and answered 20 questions as part of TNT Sports' build-up.
When asked whether he had any pre-match rituals or superstitions, the 40-year-old shared that he always gives a water bottle to his assistant, Carlos Fernandes, before kick-off.
However, he is strongly considering stopping that routine, given that luck hasn't been on his side since becoming United boss.
"I just give one bottle to my assistant, but I think I will change that," Amorim replied before breaking into laughter.
"Because this is the time when you are not winning too much, you change things. The rest I change all the time."
Fernandes has been part of Amorim's backroom staff at every club he's managed, previously sitting alongside him at Casa Pia, Braga and Sporting.
The 30-year-old was an assistant coach in Benfica's youth ranks while Amorim played for the first team 12 years ago before the pair joined forces at Casa Pia in 2018.
Amorim has backed Fernandes to eclipse him as a manager one day, comparing their relationship to that of Bobby Robson and Jose Mourinho.
In 2022, the United boss said: "My number two is Carlos Fernandes, he's been my right-hand man right from day one.
"He'll be a much better coach than me. I often say if I become Bobby Robson, then he'll be my Jose Mourinho! But there's plenty of time, we've signed a 15-year deal!"
Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty cancelled out Joshua Zirkzee's opener as United and La Real played out a 1-1 draw in the Europa League last-16 first leg.
Old Trafford plays host to the second leg next Thursday, but first, Arsenal visit in the Premier League this weekend.