Ruben Amorim has emphatically dismissed speculation linking him with Manchester City, asserting that Manchester United was his sole focus during his recent managerial transition. The highly-rated Portuguese coach, who has garnered attention across Europe for his impressive work at Sporting Lisbon, addressed rumors surrounding potential interest from the Premier League champions.
Speaking candidly about his career trajectory, Amorim revealed that no discussions ever took place regarding the possibility of succeeding Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. “Never. Never had and this was my only option,” Amorim stated definitively when questioned about any potential conversations with City, even amid speculation fueled by Sporting director Hugo Viana’s upcoming move to the Manchester club.
The timing of Amorim’s clarification comes at a particularly interesting moment in Manchester City’s season, as Guardiola’s team experiences their most challenging period since his appointment in 2016. The Citizens have managed just one victory in their last ten matches across all competitions, with seven defeats marking their worst run under the Spanish manager’s tenure.
Ironically, one of those defeats came at the hands of Amorim himself, who led Sporting to a remarkable 4-1 Champions League victory over City during the transition period before taking the helm at Old Trafford. This result not only highlighted Amorim’s tactical acumen but also demonstrated his ability to compete with elite opposition.
The speculation surrounding Amorim’s potential connection to City gained momentum following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal from Manchester United in late October. However, the Portuguese coach’s swift appointment at Old Trafford appears to have been part of a clear vision rather than a reaction to circumstances at other clubs.
Guardiola’s subsequent contract extension until 2027 has put to rest any uncertainty about City’s managerial future, though the timing of the announcement amid the team’s current struggles has raised eyebrows among football observers. The contrast between City’s recent form and their typically dominant performances adds an intriguing dimension to Amorim’s decision to align himself with their cross-city rivals.
The clarity of Amorim’s stance regarding his career choices reflects a manager who appears to have a clear vision for his future in football. His success at Sporting Lisbon, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches, has provided him with the platform to make deliberate and considered career moves rather than being swayed by circumstantial opportunities.
The situation takes on additional complexity given Viana’s impending move to Manchester City as director of football. Despite their previous working relationship at Sporting, Amorim emphasized that this connection had no bearing on his career decisions, stating explicitly that there were no discussions about following Viana to the Etihad.
Looking ahead, Amorim’s focus remains firmly on his new challenge at Manchester United, where he has the opportunity to implement his footballing philosophy and potentially restore the club to its former glory. His recent victory over City while still with Sporting serves as a testament to his tactical capabilities and could provide encouragement for United supporters hoping to see their team challenge their local rivals’ recent dominance.
The decisiveness of Amorim’s statements regarding his career choices suggests a manager who is not only clear about his ambitions but also confident in his ability to achieve them. As he begins his tenure at Old Trafford, the Portuguese coach appears determined to write his own chapter in Manchester’s footballing history, independent of any speculation about what might have been at the Etihad.
