Paul Scholes performs Ruben Amorim U-turn after Man City statement
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes didn't appear sure about Ruben Amorim as the club closed in on their new head coach but now appears more enthusiastic about the appointment
by Tom Victor · The MirrorFormer Manchester United star Paul Scholes has given a more optimistic verdict on Ruben Amorim after his Sporting CP side delivered a statement victory over Manchester City on Tuesday night.
Scholes had shared some reservations when Amorim was confirmed as the permanent successor to Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. He felt some of the early hype around the Portuguese coach drew parallels with the optimism around Ten Hag, who was ultimately sacked with the team in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
He suggested Thomas Tuchel would have been the right fit for United, describing the German as "someone who has been there and done it". The club explored a move for Tuchel over the summer, but he had accepted the England job by the time they dismissed Ten Hag.
There are still questions over Amorim, who has never managed outside Portugal. However, speaking in the aftermath of Sporting's 4-1 demolition of the Premier League champions, Scholes appeared more optimistic over the new man.
"I think with Ruben Amorim, everyone is looking and they are a little bit jealous, because I think some of them really, really wanted him," Scholes said on TNT Sports. "I know he has been spoken about with City once Pep goes, so he has been thought of in that high regard.
"That is something we haven't really had before. We had (Louis) van Gaal, who getting a big job at that stage of his career was a surprise.
"For (Jose) Mourinho, it was probably his last big job and it was a bit surprising for the Chelsea rivalry. This is the first one where you think, 'yes, this is a real coup'. We have got in there ahead of three, four, five top clubs around Europe and it is exciting. I can't wait for him to come."
Will Ruben Amorim be a success at Old Trafford? Have your say in the comments section
Back in October, Scholes suggested Sporting's match against City might act as "a public interview" for Amorim. There's an argument he passed it with flying colours in the comeback victory.
City had gone more than two years without losing a European game inside 90 minutes when they travelled to Lisbon on Tuesday. That run looked set to continue when Phil Foden gave them an early lead, only for a Viktor Gyokeres hat-trick and Maxi Araujo strike to hand Sporting all three points.
United, meanwhile, remain in the hunt for Europa League glory this term. After a stuttering start, drawing each of their first three matches, they beat PAOK 2-0 on Thursday night as interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge of his one and only game in this season's competition.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
£46 (was £56)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.