Another team paid three times more: Ruben Amorim details his Manchester United move

Newly-announced Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said money was not the only factor that influenced his decision to take up the job at Old Trafford. Amorim addressed Sporting fans in an emotional press conference on Friday, November 1.

In Short

• Ruben Amorim was announced as the next Manchester United manager
• Amorim revealed United declined his request to allow him to join at end of season
• Amorim acknowledged that a section of Sporting fans was upset with him

Incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said he had only three days to decide on an offer from the Premier League giants, making it clear that money was not the ultimate factor that influenced his move from Portugal to England. Amorim, 39, was announced as the next manager of Manchester United earlier in the week.

Ruben Amorim will transition from his current role as the manager of Sporting CP in Portugal to take the helm at Old Trafford on November 11. Speaking after Sporting's 5-1 win against Estrela da Amadora on Friday. Amorim explained the chain of events that led to his 'life-changing decision'. He also addressed the anger among the Sporting fans after Amorim decided to leave the club midway during the season.

At Sporting CP, Amorim established himself as one of the most promising and highly regarded young coaches in European football. Since joining Sporting in March 2020, he has achieved remarkable success, guiding the club to two Primeira Liga titles, the first of which ended a 19-year championship drought for Sporting CP.

“The only thing I asked for was that it was at the end of the season and they said no, that wasn’t possible, it was now or never and if not they would look at another option," Amorim said, as quoted by news agency AP.

“I had three days to take a decision that would radically change my life. And that is what I did.

“I had other offers but I didn’t want them, and this one I did, so I made my decision,” he said, highlighting United were not the only club that offered to buy out his contract.

"People say it was about the money, but there was another team that wanted to hire me before and they paid three times more than Manchester."

TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS: AMORIM TO SPORTING FANS

Amorim also said he understood the emotions of fans after some of them made it very clear during their win on Friday. The young manager has faced flak from a section of Sporting CP's fans over his departure.

Amorim confirmed he was taking his team with him to Manchester United, but promised not to sign any Sporting player in the January transfer window.

"I understand that they (Sporting’s fans) are hurt, but we have to keep going forward, time heals all wounds," he said.

Before joining Manchester United, Amorim will fulfil his commitments with Sporting CP, including a Champions League match against Manchester City.

Amorim's appointment is seen as a significant move for Manchester United, and his track record in Portugal suggests that he has the potential to make a profound impact on the team's performance and identity.