Ruben Amorim and Pedro Goncalves
Pedro Goncalves and Ruben Amorim developed a close bond at Sporting CP (Image: Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/JAR Sport Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Pedro Goncalves has revealed the deep emotional impact Ruben Amorim had on him at Sporting CP, admitting he was brought to tears over his departure. After taking the reins at Manchester United mid-season as Erik ten Hag's replacement, Amorim has endured a tough start, with the Red Devils dropping dangerously close to the relegation zone. The tension and pain has only intensified after United's crushing defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on Wednesday.
Despite being tipped as favourites for the trophy, a sole Brennan Johnson goal just before half-time dashed United's hopes, as they left empty-handed and with more pressure continuing to pile on Amorim. However, at Spurs, manager Ange Postecoglou triumphantly secured the club's first piece of silverware in 17 years, which was a remarkable turn of events for a man who was under a similar amount of scrutiny.
Related articles
Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
But despite the disappointments, Sporting midfielder Goncalves remains one of Amorim's biggest supporters. He hails his paternal approach to management, which has profoundly influenced the midfielder's career.
Speaking in a heartfelt interview with Canal 11, the 26-year-old said: "I wouldn't be here today [without him].
"We had a very strong bond, both professionally and personally. He liked my wife very much and was concerned about my well-being, both on the field and in my family life. He knew when players were happy or sad, and he knew exactly what to say."
Goncalves also spoke out on Amorim's move to United, where he could also be heading to in the summer to reunite with the Portuguese boss, as he admitted the exit took an emotional toll on the squad.
Amorim
The Portuguese boss has come under a lot of fire this season (Image: Getty)
He said: "We were sad. I started crying because I really liked him, and I was sad. I never told him not to go; I wished him good luck. The players understood. He was like a father to us. We were sad, but we understood. I wish him the best of luck.
"We were left without a coach, without a captain, without the forward, Paulinho, who gave us a lot and scored many decisive goals, plus Adan, who was an experienced goalkeeper.
"In the middle of the season, we felt we were missing some leadership. The team united, and it went well. Everyone tried to lead, and Morten started to emerge."
Despite these setbacks, Sporting clinched the Liga Portugal title, showing resilience against fierce competition from Benfica.
United
The Manchester United squad has faced much pain this season (Image: Getty)
Amorim's subsequent stint at United has been fraught with issues, including a disappointing Europa League finale, exits from three cup competitions, and a slump to 16th place in the Premier League table.
Due to this, the 40-year-old manager has expressed his willingness to resign if demanded by fans and the club's management. However, Amorim remains confident in his ability to return United to its past successes.
He said: "If the board and the fans feel I'm not the right guy, I will go in the next day without any conversation about compensation. But I will not quit again. I am confident in my job. As you see, I will not change anything in the way I do things."
"In this moment, I am not here to defend myself. It's not my style. I have nothing to show to the fans. In this moment [I need] a little bit of faith."
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw has backed his current manager to return the club to glory, despite acknowledging United's struggles this season.
Shaw added: "I can say 100 per cent right now he's the right man. Results have not been good at all. I've been here for a long time now and been through different managers.
"Ruben, for me, I talk on my behalf and I can talk on behalf of all the players, he is 100 per cent the right manager to take us back to where this club should be."
"It's going to be a very difficult process, us as players, we've let a lot of people down, including Ruben. I will say it again, we've been nowhere near good enough the whole season."