"Now or Never" – Ruben Amorim Discusses "Radical" Decision to Join Man United

‘Now or Never’ – Ruben Amorim Explains Bold Decision to Take Manchester United Job

Ruben Amorim revealed he was given an ultimatum by Manchester United to either take on the role of manager immediately or lose the opportunity altogether. 

The Portuguese coach will succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, with United paying Sporting Lisbon €11 million to release him from his contract. Amorim initially intended to remain with Sporting until the season’s end, as he shared after Sporting’s 5-1 victory over Estrela Amadora on Friday night. However, United made it clear they couldn’t wait until next year, giving him just three days to decide. His tenure will officially start on November 11.

“At the beginning of the season, I told [President Frederico Varandas] and Hugo Viana [former sporting director] that this would be my final season at Sporting, regardless of what happened. The president is here and can confirm that,” Amorim said in his post-match interview.

“We started the season well, then Manchester United came forward and paid more than the release clause. I didn’t negotiate anything; I only asked if I could join at the end of the season. But I was told it was now or never – otherwise, United would go with someone else."

“For three days, I thought it over, but ultimately, I made the decision. It’s a big change, but it’s what I chose to do.”

Amorim defended his choice to leave Sporting, acknowledging he’d received other offers, one of which was willing to pay three times what United offered. However, Manchester United was the only club he wanted to join.

“There was another club that made it clear if I declined now, the opportunity wouldn’t come again in six months. I knew I’d be leaving Sporting by then, so I didn’t want to regret not taking this chance," he explained. "The president knows I turned down other offers in the past, but this one was different."

Addressing rumors that his decision was financially motivated, Amorim clarified, “People think it’s about money, but there was another club offering three times as much. This is the opportunity I wanted, and that’s why I chose it.”