Manchester United insist they did not sack Ruben Amorim due to a internal power struggleplaceholder image
Manchester United insist they did not sack Ruben Amorim due to a internal power struggle | Getty Images
Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim was keen to add some Premier League experience to his forward line before getting sacked
The ex-United midfielder will manage 17 games at his former club, having already gained experience in senior management with Championship side Middlesbrough.
Amorim left Old Trafford after taking aim at the club’s board in a post-match press conference at Elland Road. The former Sporting CP boss was frustrated by the club’s transfer strategy heading into the January window.
United are not actively planning to add reinforcements this month but will try to sign some of their long-term targets if they become available at the right price. They were interested in Antoine Semenyo because of his £65m release clause but the former Bournemouth star has joined rivals Manchester City.
He has hit the ground running across Manchester and is likely to face United in the derby on Saturday afternoon.
According to Sky Sports, the disagreement over transfers between Amorim and the club “was not a crucial factor” in his departure but did insist there was a difference of opinion about recruitment strategy. They also claim that Amorim wanted to sign former United striker Danny Welbeck.
The 35-year-old is in fine form this season for Brighton and Hove Albion. He has scored 85 goals in his 383-game Premier League career. Meanwhile, he has scored eight times in 20 Premier League appearances this campaign.
He scored a stunning goal last weekend as Brighton beat United 2-1 at Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup. He now has eight goals in 19 games against his former club.
Speaking about his qualities last weekend, former United defender Phil Jones said: “I don’t think people realise how good he is.
“Everything he brings to the team. His attributes, his all-round game, the balance he brings. He is a character, he is a presence. You have seen he is leading the team now, he has taken on that role.
“He scores goals, his link-up play is excellent, he’s strong, aggressive. He’s a terrific all-round player and don’t forget he has had two really serious injuries as well. To still be playing at 35 years old for Brighton, at the level he is, having an influence.”
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler said of him after his performance at Old Trafford: "To describe him best is to say that he is a role model on the pitch, beside it, a great connector.
“He is a great goalscorer, he is there in the right moment. He missed a big chance but good goalscorers never give up, they are always ready."
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