Man Utd have backed Ruben Amorim to remain in charge next season, despite overseeing a dreadful campaign.
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(Image: Sky Sports)
Jose Mourinho believes there are similarities between his first six months managing Porto and Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United.
The 62-year-old won two league titles, the Taca de Portugal, the UEFA Cup, and the Champions League with Porto, which made him one of the world's most exciting coaching prospects.
However, Mourinho admitted Porto "struggled" to qualify for the UEFA Cup following his appointment in January 2002. Mourinho still guided Porto to a third-place finish in the Portuguese top flight, though, and he promised to "make Porto champions next year," which he subsequently delivered.
According to Mourinho, those six months are similar to Amorim's tenure at United, which has seen him struggle to improve the team and finish in 15th place in the Premier League.
Mourinho was asked about the Europa League final, which was contested by his former clubs, and discussed the impact of Tottenham Hotspur clinching glory in Bilbao last week.
"The impact is obvious," Mourinho told Sky Sports. "Tottenham play Champions League and of course for Mr Levy, the millions the Champions League gives, for him it’s the best news.
"For the fans, the players and Ange, it’s a title. Yes, the game was not amazing, but they made history for Tottenham because Tottenham didn’t have a trophy for so many years."
Mourinho continued: "From what I read – just what I read – the impact on United of course is huge in the sense of for how many years United are not involved in any European competition.
"But at the same time it looks like they are supporting Ruben, they are giving him time and conditions to go forward. I read some quotes from him saying he’s happy he came and already had these six months. When I went to Porto the same thing happened.
"I went in January and we had a difficult six months, we struggled even to qualify for UEFA Cup. And then we saw what happened.
"But when you ask me whether I was cheering one side? I was divided because on one side I love United and I have a fantastic relationship with Ruben. But on the other side I saw Sonny [Heung-min] crying with the cup… also for Tottenham fans, it was a special feeling."
Mourinho won the Primeira Liga title, Taca de Portugal and the UEFA Cup in his first full season at Porto and Amorim, speaking after the final day of the season, promised "good times" were coming after weathering the storm.
Amorim will strengthen his squad in the summer transfer window. Matheus Cunha is set to be the first signing of the summer and United remain interested in Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.
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