Ruben Amorim has had a lacklustre first season with Manchester United, but the Portuguese manager evidently knows how to forge relationships with players, as shown by his time with Sporting CP
Comments
Sport
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, addresses the crowd after the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Aston Villa FC at Old Trafford on May 25, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim addressed Old Trafford on Sunday to apologise for the poor season
(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim's departure from Sporting CP to take control of Manchester United in November left many players of the Portuguese side in tears, highlighting the deep connections he formed with his squad.
During his impressive four-year tenure at Sporting, which spanned from 2020 to 2024, Amorim clinched three league titles and a trio of domestic cups, prompting the Red Devils to spend £11million to secure him and his coaching staff for Old Trafford.
Despite enduring less success with United, securing just eight Premier League victories since taking over from Erik ten Hag and finishing at an unprecedented low of 15th in the table, it's evident that Amorim can forge strong bonds with his players.
The sentiment within his former Sporting CP team attests to this, as evidenced by Eduardo Quaresma's tearful reaction in the wake of his departure. Speaking of his emotions, the Sporting star told Portuguese outlet A Bola: "I was sad, we had a very good relationship with the manager, I feel sad for him, he deserves everything good.
"I don't believe it. There were times when I didn't believe it would happen. I don't know if I can say it. We had a meeting and he said to us, 'Guys, I don't know anything, trust me.' The next game, the guy said he was leaving, but he stayed for another four games. All I could think was, 'Go away.' I cried a lot. I think I cried the most."
Quaresma wasn't the only player left emotional over Amorim's departure from the European giants, reports the Mirror, as Pedro Goncalves also shared a profound connection with the tactician. The playmaker 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. 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."
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 05: Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Sporting CP, is thrown into the air by his players to celebrate his last home match as manager at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 05, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim had a unique relationship with his Sporting CP players
Maximiliano Araujo, brought to Sporting CP by Amorim just last year, also emphasised the deep impression the manager left on him and his team-mates. Speaking to A Bola, Araujo told of the emotions he felt in the wake of Amorim's departure, explaining: "It was normal. I noticed it, yes, in many of my team-mates, because it was normal.
"That's what I'm telling you. When you have a really good coach like that, you don't want him to leave. When so many players cry... I have no doubt that many players felt a lot of affection for him. And, yes, it was a bit difficult. As I say... it was normal, understandable, given all the affection the players felt for him."
Following Amorim's departure from Sporting CP, Joao Pereira stepped in as the interim manager for a month before Rui Borges took over in December. The 43-year-old has done exceptionally well, securing a Taca de Portugal trophy for his club and snatching the Liga Portugal title from rivals Benfica by just two points.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 17: Sporting CP players celebrate with the Liga Portugal Betclic Champions Trophy during the Liga Portugal Betclic Champions Trophy Celebrations at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 17, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Sporting CP won the league this season(Image: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Amorim has acknowledged his challenging inaugural season at Old Trafford, addressing fans after Sunday's finale. Despite managing a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on home soil - with goals from Amad and Christian Eriksen - the win is seen as little more than a small consolation after a generally disappointing campaign.
Speaking to fans on the pitch after the game, Amorim said: "First of all, I want to apologise for this season. I know you are really disappointed with me, and really disappointed with the team. Second thing, I want to say thank you.
"We are very grateful for your support during the season, and I know that was really hard. I know it was really hard in many ways, but now we have to make a choice or we stay stuck in the past - because this season is in the past.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Manchester United Head Coach / Manager Ruben Amorim speaks to the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Aston Villa FC at Old Trafford on May 25, 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim addressed Old Trafford after Sunday's game
"It's over. We fight each other, or we stick together and move forward. Six months ago, in my first three games in charge with two victories and one draw, I said to you, 'The storm is coming.' Today, after this disaster season, I want to tell you, the good days are coming.
"If there is one club in the world that proved in the past, that can overcome any situation, any disaster, it's our club. It's Manchester United Football Club. Now I want to say sorry also to my players. Sometimes I was not fair, but I tried always to be honest to you guys. Thank you very much, see you next season."