New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim acknowledged the tough road ahead as he transitions from Portugal to England but expressed enthusiasm for the challenge.
The Premier League club confirmed Amorim’s appointment earlier this month. The 39-year-old Portuguese manager, who arrives from Sporting on a contract running until June 2027, is set to join United on Monday.
Amorim, who replaces the dismissed Erik ten Hag, ended his time with Sporting on a high note, leading them to a 4-2 comeback win over Braga in his final game.
“I feel ready for this new challenge,” he said to reporters. “I’m not naive; I know it’s going to be different and difficult. Now I can focus fully on my new role, and I’m eager to start tomorrow.”
Widely regarded as one of Europe’s promising young managers, Amorim’s first match in charge is scheduled for November 24 against promoted Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
United currently sit 13th in the league with 15 points from 11 games, four points behind Chelsea in third. Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has led the team to three wins and a draw in all competitions since Ten Hag’s departure on October 28.
“I understand it won’t be easy to replicate what I’ve built here elsewhere, but there are other places with new challenges, pressures, and exposure,” said Amorim, who led Sporting to two Primeira Liga titles.
“I apologize for leaving mid-season, but it felt like the right moment and the right path for me.”