Ruben Amorim was implored not to leave Sporting CP by his adoring players, having taken the decision to abandon the Portuguese champions to join Manchester United in the middle of the season
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Ruben Amorim reacts after a gesture by Sporting CP fans
Ruben Amorim left Sporting CP in November to manage Manchester United
(Image: David Ramos - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
One of Ruben Amorim’s former Sporting CP players vented his frustration towards the manager’s decision to join Manchester United mid-season in front of the entire dressing room.
Amorim made the bold call to leave Sporting in early November, while they were still top of the Portuguese league.
In the midst of a title challenge off the back of winning Liga Portugal in 2023/24 and the hope of a successful Champions League campaign, the 40-year-old decided to take the vacant Red Devils job following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.
Sporting endured a torrid run of form in the aftermath of Amorim’s exit that ended their Champions League hopes and jeopardised their title charge. Yet, they recovered to seal their third league triumph in five years last weekend.
Now, Sporting’s 25-year-old defensive-midfielder, Morten Hjulmand, has opened up about a brutally honest conversation he had with his former boss after he had announced his departure. Hjulmand recently recalled expressing his bitter disappointment in front of his team-mates and Amorim, though it didn’t sway the manager’s decision.
Hjulmand told A Bola: "We thought that Amorim would stay for the season and fight to also be a two-time champion. Many players wanted to stay at Sporting with Ruben Amorim, because he is a great coach.”
When asked if he felt betrayed, the Dane said: “That’s a very strong word. We feel disappointed with his departure. We were on a run of 11 consecutive wins, doing very well in the Champions League.
“Everything was very clear to everyone on the pitch. It was almost as if we were playing Playstation. Everyone knew what they had to do.
Morten Hjulmand and Benfica's Greek forward #14 Vangelis Pavlidis react during the Portuguese League football match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, on May 10, 2025.
Morten Hjulmand was upset by his manager's departure
“I told him in front of the other players that we were disappointed with his departure. We were counting on him to help us all fight for the second title.
“He himself said the same thing at the start of the season. But afterwards, I also told Ruben that we understood his decision.”
Amorim said after his United move was confirmed that he had only wanted to leave Sporting at the end of the current season, having already had plans to depart after the 2024/25 campaign. But he was informed that the deal put forward by United wouldn’t still be on the table come May.
The Portuguese said in November: “We started very well this season and then Manchester United came in for me. They paid above the amount set for my release clause and the president of Sporting CP defended the club's interests.
“I never argued about anything with the president regarding the negotiations. The only thing I asked during the process was that it take place at the end of the season.
“I spent three days asking for this, but I was told it wasn’t possible. It was now or never, otherwise they would look for another option. I had three days to decide something that radically changes my life.”
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Amorim continued: “I have to take steps forward in my career and it was harder for me than any other Sportinguista to leave. I knew that if I rejected Manchester United, in seven months' time I wouldn’t have that option available, and I knew that at the end of the season I was going to leave Sporting CP.
“I could have felt a sense of regret that would be difficult to deal with. Between the disappointment of all Sportinguistas and taking risks in my career, or waiting for the end of the season and not having the only club that I wanted to join as an option, I had to decide. So I decided.”
It’s unknown whether Amorim now regrets that decision nearly seven months on, having endured a torrid first season at Old Trafford. Under the Portuguese, United have consistently set new records for lows as the head coach struggles to impart his philosophy at the already-struggling club.
United could finish this season in 17th place - one spot above relegation - in their worst Premier League campaign to date. And after losing the Europa League final in woeful fashion on Wednesday, Amorim has made it clear that he is open to leaving this summer if club bosses and fans decide he is the wrong man for the job.