Ruben Amorim's press conference apology shows Man Utd what kind of manager he is

Ruben Amorim has been confirmed as Manchester United's new manager and one action he undertook as Sporting Lisbon boss will hearten his new employers

New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim's press conference apology to Sporting Lisbon fans shows that the Old Trafford faithful will be getting a manager of humble and honest character.

Despite leaving Sporting Lisbon as a legend after securing two Primeira Liga titles with the club, it wasn't always smooth sailing for the Portuguese. With Amorim in demand by a host of Europe's top clubs thanks to his success in Lisbon, Amorim flew to London to have talks with potential suitors, West Ham over their managerial position in April of this year.

However it was a decision which he quickly came to regret as the two parties failed to reach an agreement. To make matters worse, his impromptu trip took place as the season was ongoing and just a few weeks before Sporting clinched the Primeira Liga title for the second time.

After his jaunt irritated Sporting fans, Amorim apologised for his visit to London in his very next press conference, announcing that he'd been 'disrespectful' to his employers by talking to another club. "What is important to say is that it was obviously a mistake," the 39-year-old admitted.

"The trip was a mistake, the timing was completely misjudged, which I did not see at the time. It was misjudged." he added. While United are the Premier League club to finally secure Amorim after his dalliances with other clubs, they will look upon their new manager's expression of regret as a telling sign that they have enlisted a truthful coach at the very least.

Despite it looking at one point that Amorim could be the man to sit in the Iron's hot seat it was later revealed that the Hammers' hierarchy were turned off by the ex-Sporting manager's lack of experience outside of his home country. The former Benfica midfielder had previously managed two other Portuguese clubs, Casa Pia and Braga.

According to the Daily Mail, it's claimed that West Ham chiefs snubbed Amorim as they wanted a more experienced and well-traveled manager. However West Ham were not the only Premier League outfit interested.

Liverpool and Manchester City both opted against pursuing the head coach as they felt his favoured formation wouldn't suit their system. Eventually appointing Arne Slot, it was believed that the Reds did take a serious look at Amorim after Jurgen Klopp departed the club.

Amorim was also attracting interest from Manchester City, should Pep Guardiola call it a day at the end of the season. However both clubs reportedly felt that the United boss was too heavily committed to his 3-4-3 system - a formation that Liverpool and City believed wouldn't fit with the current players they have.

United have now paid the compensation fee necessary to secure Amorim - with an additional add-on paid to ensure several of his coaching staff can join him. The Portuguese coach will officially start his new role on Monday November 11 and he becomes the first managerial appointment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS' ownership.

Amorim will remain in charge Sporting for the short-term with the Portuguese champions facing Manchester City in the Champions League next week. There was some negotiating to be done with Sporting reluctant to lose their manager right away and they have used his month-long notice period to their advantage.

Upon securing Amorin as the successor to Erik ten Hag, a United statement read: " Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements. He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club.

"He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November. Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football. Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years."

The statement also revealed that Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain in charge until Amorim takes over.

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