Ruben Amorim’s decision to quit Sporting CP for Manchester United mid-season didn’t sit well with one of his former players, who confronted him in front of the squad
Ruben Amorim was called out by one of his Sporting CP players after deciding to leave the club and take the Manchester United job in the middle of the season.
Amorim made the bold decision to quit Sporting in early November while they were still top of the Portuguese league. Fresh off the back of winning Liga Portugal in 2023/24 and in the midst of another title charge, the 40-year-old accepted the vacant Red Devils job after Erik ten Hag’s sacking.
His exit created instability in the dressing room as Sporting suffered from a string of poor results that derailed their European ambitions and threatened to jeopardise their title charge. But they managed to recover to claim their third Liga Portugal crown in five years last weekend.
Now, Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand has lifted the lid on a brutally honest conversation he had with his former boss after the move was made public. The 25-year-old recently recalled how he openly expressed his bitter disappointment in front of his team-mates and Amorim, though it didn’t sway the manager’s decision.
Hjulmand told A Bola: “We thought that Amorim would stay for the season and fight to also be a two-time champion. Many players wanted to stay at Sporting with Ruben Amorim, because he is a great coach.”
When asked whether he felt betrayed, the Denmark international replied: “That’s a very strong word. We feel disappointed with his departure. We were on a run of 11 consecutive wins, doing very well in the Champions League.
“Everything was very clear to everyone on the pitch. It was almost as if we were playing Playstation. Everyone knew what they had to do.
“I told him in front of the other players that we were disappointed with his departure. We were counting on him to help us all fight for the second title.
“He himself said the same thing at the start of the season. But afterwards, I also told Ruben that we understood his decision.”
Amorim revealed after his United move was announced that he had originally planned to leave Sporting at the end of the current 2024/25 season. Yet, he was informed that the offer from United wouldn’t still be available come May.
Speaking at the time of the United announcement, the Portuguese said: “We started very well this season and then Manchester United came in for me. They paid above the amount set for my release clause and the president of Sporting CP defended the club’s interests.
“I never argued about anything with the president regarding the negotiations. The only thing I asked during the process was that it take place at the end of the season.
“I spent three days asking for this, but I was told it wasn’t possible. It was now or never, otherwise they would look for another option. I had three days to decide something that radically changes my life.”
Amorim added: “I have to take steps forward in my career and it was harder for me than any other Sportinguista to leave. I knew that if I rejected Manchester United, in seven months’ time I wouldn’t have that option available, and I knew that at the end of the season I was going to leave Sporting CP.
“I could have felt a sense of regret that would be difficult to deal with. Between the disappointment of all Sportinguistas and taking risks in my career, or waiting for the end of the season and not having the only club that I wanted to join as an option, I had to decide. So I decided.”
It’s unclear whether Amorim regrets that decision almost seven months on, having experienced an agonising first season at Old Trafford. During his tenure, United have consistently set new records for lows as the head coach struggles to impart his philosophy at the already-ailing club.
With United ending the campaign just above the relegation zone and fresh off a disastrous Europa League final loss which ruled out European football next season, Amorim has made it clear that he is open to leaving this summer if club bosses and fans decide he is the wrong man for the job.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
