Ruben Amorim’s last home game as Sporting CP’s manager ended with a resounding 4-1 win over Manchester City in the Champions League, sending off the Portuguese coach on a high note. After four and a half years transforming Sporting, Amorim is set to join Manchester United, with his final Sporting match against Braga before he heads to England.
Amorim acknowledged the storybook ending, saying, “It was written it had to be like this.” Sporting’s victory, highlighted by fans’ passionate celebrations and a lap of honor, reinforced Amorim’s significant influence on the club. Although he joked before the game that a win would make United fans think another Sir Alex Ferguson was on the way, Amorim is clear-eyed about the challenges that await him in Manchester. He admitted that United would require a different approach, especially given the need to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity and United’s own style expectations.
Tactically, Amorim’s setup is unique. He often uses three central defenders, which against City morphed into a defensive back five at times. However, Amorim is no purist; he tailors his strategy based on his players, using inverted full-backs, orthodox wing-backs, or defenders stepping into midfield as needed. United insiders have high hopes that his tactical adaptability and emphasis on defense will help rejuvenate the club.
Amorim reflected on his time at Sporting, acknowledging the joy he shared with fans and players, but he also recognized the gravity of his next step: “When I arrive there it will be a different world, with different pressure. I will try to be the same. It will be fun—very fun—and I am ready for the challenge.”
His United tenure officially begins on November 24 at Ipswich, marking the start of a journey to replicate many more memorable nights like this one.
