Ruben Amorim's departure left his players disappointed in the middle of the season
Ruben Amorim
Amorim left Sporting at an unfortunate time(Image: )
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Ruben Amorim's 14-month stint at Manchester United ended abruptly following his outspoken criticism of the club's hierarchy. While some supporters felt his dismissal was premature, it was clear that his tenure at Old Trafford had run its course.
His departure from Sporting Lisbon to take up the United job had elicited similar, if not more intense, reactions. At the time, Sporting were enjoying a strong run in Europe and were leading their domestic league, eyeing their third title in just five years.
Sporting's star player and captain, Morten Hjulmand, was deeply disappointed by Amorim's decision to leave for England. However, despite his departure, Sporting managed to clinch their much-coveted third title.
This is in stark contrast to his exit from United, where he left the team struggling for form. His departure paved the way for Michael Carrick to step in and guide the team to a memorable derby victory over Manchester City.
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In an interview with RTP, Hjulmand reflected on Amorim's departure from Sporting, expressing his disappointment at the manager's exit.
"We thought that Amorim would stay for the season and fight to also be a two-time champion," the captain explained. "Many players wanted to stay at Sporting with Ruben Amorim, because he is a great coach."
When asked if he felt betrayed, Hjulmand responded: "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.
"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.
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United lasted only 14 months(Image: Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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"He himself said the same thing at the start of the season. But afterwards, I also told Ruben that we understood his decision."
Discussing the circumstances of his departure, Amorim stated: "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."
He went on to say: "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."