Incoming Manchester United head coach Rúben Amorim has said he is under no illusions about the difficulty of the task he faces when he takes over at Old Trafford but he is looking forward to the challenge.
The Premier League club announced Amorim’s appointment earlier this month, with the 39-year-old set to arrive from Sporting CP on Monday on a contract until June 2027.
Amorim, who replaces Erik ten Hag at United, marked his final game as coach of Sporting with a 4-2 comeback victory at Braga on Sunday.
“I feel ready for the new challenge,” he told reporters after the match.
“I’m not naive, I know it’s going to be very different, very difficult. I’m at peace now, I can focus on my new job and I’m looking forward to starting tomorrow.”
Considered one of Europe’s brightest young managers, Amorim’s first match is slated for Nov. 24 against Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
However, a source told ESPN that Amorim is facing a further delay before officially starting as United’s new head coach as the club await confirmation of his visa. Until confirmation is received, Amorim cannot begin his official duties, including overseeing training sessions.
The 39-year-old is set to arrive in Manchester on Monday, but a source has told ESPN he is still waiting for the official green light to start his employment. United are not expecting any issues with the paperwork.
United are 13th in the league, having earned 15 points from 11 matches, four points adrift of Chelsea in third. Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has guided the side to three wins and a draw in all competitions since Ten Hag was sacked on Oct. 28.
“I know it will be difficult to reproduce what I have here elsewhere, but there are other places with different exposure and pressure … It’s been a fantastic adventure,” said Amorim, who has won the Primeira Liga twice with Sporting.
“I apologise for this mid-season decision, but I felt it was my time and my way.”
Meanwhile, Sporting appointed João Pereira Amorim as the club’s new head coach on Monday.
The 43-year-old’s playing career included three separate spells at the Portuguese club and he was head coach of Sporting’s B team before being named as Amorim’s successor.