Ruben Amorim says he wanted to take the Manchester United job at the end of the season but accepted a mid-season appointment after being told it was “now or never”.
Amorim, 39, was confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach on Friday and will complete his move to Old Trafford from Lisbon club Sporting on 11 November.
Speaking after Sporting’s first match since that announcement – Friday’s 5-1 league victory over Estrela which maintained their perfect start after 10 games – Amorim explained his only request following United’s approach was to see out the current campaign, which he had already informed the club’s president would be his last.
But the Portuguese coach was told that would not be possible as the Premier League club sought an immediate replacement for Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday.
“The season started, we started very well, and then Manchester United came, they pay above the compensation clause and the president defends the club’s interests,” Amorim explained.
“I never discussed anything with the president. For three days I said I wanted to stay until the end of the season, but then I was told it was not possible.
“It was now or never, or Manchester would go for another option. So, I had three days to make my mind up, to make a decision that changes radically my life.”
