It has only been five years since Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim earned his shot at managing Sporting Lisbon.
When Erik ten Hag was sacked in October, Ruben Amorim was Ineos’ favourite candidate. He was just 39 years old at the time so was a risky appointment, but his record in Portugal spoke for itself.
Amorim was appointed by Sporting on 5th March, 2020, with the Lisbon side slumped down in eighth in Liga Portugal. However, that quickly changed.
Amorim’s first 20 games at Sporting saw him make a huge impact on their results and league standing – admittedly very different to the start he has made at Manchester United this season.
Sporting hadn’t won the league title in 19 years when Amorim arrived, and they were in a very difficult moment with fans protesting and even breaking into the training ground just two years before his arrival.
However, Amorim trusted in Sporting’s youth and was given enough time to build a side that went on to win two league titles in Portugal.
What Ruben Amorim said after Sporting Lisbon appointment
After arriving at Old Trafford, Amorim said he likes taking over struggling clubs, and that was certainly the case when he took over Sporting too.
Not only did he have the challenge of turning results around and winning silverware, but he also had to get fans on board after they lost trust in their team – sound familiar?
Amorim’s first words as Sporting boss, via the Sporting Lisbon website, bear a lot of similarities to his messages at Old Trafford this season.
“I am aware that this is a great challenge and I really believe in the Club. Even when you are not a part of it, everyone can see the club greatness.
“It is a huge pride to be in this house and defend these colors. I know what Sporting CP is, regardless of the moment.
“I believe in the Club and I hope they believe me. I am focused on work. I can try to convince Sporting CP fans who do not believe me, but in football results are everything.
“I am prepared for this challenge, I know that there is a great pressure, but I will do my best to honor this invitation.”
Ruben Amorim is not a ‘miracle worker’
Amorim was adored at Sporting for his achievements, and fans of the Portuguese side were heartbroken when United came knocking.
But he had to earn their trust, and he did that through building a winning team. But it didn’t happen overnight.
After his unveiling at Sporting, the club president Frederico Varandas sent a message to fans that essentially asked for patience.
“He [Amorim] is our choice, not only for the results obtained at SC Braga, but for the deep knowledge we have of him as a man.
“It is a paradigm shift, and I have no problem investing in the right coach. We hired a great coach, but not a miracle worker.”
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim makes ‘strange’ Manchester United claim, Ineos surely can’t be impressed
That message must be heard by United fans. Amorim is not a miracle worker, but with time and backing he turned things around and made Sporting a force to be reckoned with in Europe.
Amorim’s Sporting side demolished Manchester City just a few weeks before his move to England. It has been a tough start, but there are plenty of signs that Amorim can turn things around.
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