Ruben Amorim names 'incredible' Man United star he can't wait to coach after Erik ten Hag snub

Incoming Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has expressed his excitement at reuniting with Manuel Ugarte at Old Trafford.

Amorim will begin his tenure at Old Trafford next week after overseeing his final match as Sporting CP manager this weekend. His first match at the helm will come on November 24 when United travel to newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

But despite not officially beginning his role until November 11, Amorim appears to already be assessing his options at Old Trafford as the 39-year-old expressed his excitement at working with Ugarte again after the pair won the Primeira Liga title together at Sporting CP in 2023.

READ MORE: What the United dressing room makes of Amorim

READ MORE: What Van Nistelrooy said at half-time vs PAOK

Speaking to TNT Sports on Friday, Amorim said: “All the Uruguayans I managed are incredible and that’s why I love all Uruguayans… Ugarte is a very talented boy and has a lot of room to grow. I am very happy to know that I have him back at Manchester United!”

Uruguay international Ugarte has had to be patient for opportunities at Old Trafford since signing for United from Paris Saint-Germain in a £50m deal in August.

The 23-year-old was handed just one starting berth prior to Erik ten Hag's sacking in October but has started all three of the games overseen by interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

On Thursday, Ugarte impressed Paul Scholes with his performance in United's 2-0 win over PAOK: "Casemiro and Ugarte, that could be the start of something," said the United legend.

"Looking forward to Amorim, it looks like a partnership that could be good together. I think that allows Bruno a little bit more freedom up the top of the pitch."

Van Nistlerooy will oversee his final game in charge of United on Sunday afternoon when Leicester City travel to Old Trafford.