Ruben Amorim’s final game as manager at Sporting CP produced an unforgettable spectacle as his team mounted a stunning comeback to defeat Braga 4-2. The emotional victory provided a fitting farewell for the Manchester United-bound coach, who is set to take the helm at Old Trafford next week.
The dramatic encounter initially appeared to be heading towards a disappointing conclusion for Amorim, with Sporting trailing 2-0 at halftime. However, in a remarkable display of resilience and tactical acumen that has become synonymous with Amorim’s leadership, his team orchestrated a magnificent turnaround in the final 35 minutes, scoring four unanswered goals to secure a memorable victory.
Speaking after the match, an emotional Amorim reflected on the perfect ending to his successful chapter at Sporting CP: “I would have preferred not to suffer in this game but the way it ended… it was much more than I could have expected,” he shared with reporters. The Portuguese tactician, who guided the club to two Primera Liga titles during his tenure, was particularly effusive in his praise for his players, describing them as “unbelievable” and highlighting how they transformed what could have been a difficult farewell into a triumphant celebration.
The match itself served as a microcosm of Amorim’s journey with Sporting – facing adversity, showing resilience, and ultimately emerging victorious. “In 90 minutes they told a story that we all lived through. Of a lot of suffering, of fighting until the end,” Amorim remarked, emphasizing how the performance embodied the fighting spirit he had instilled in the team throughout his tenure.
The tactical nous that has earned Amorim his move to Manchester United was evident in the victory, as he explained how his team capitalized on Braga’s fatigue from their Thursday night commitments. In the final 20 minutes, we noticed the greatest freshness in our team and this has to do with the fact that Braga played on Thursday and we knew how to take advantage of that,” he explained, demonstrating the attention to detail that has marked his coaching career.
The victory serves as a powerful send-off as Amorim prepares to tackle what might be his biggest challenge yet – reviving a struggling Manchester United side. The Red Devils, currently languishing in 13th place in the Premier League and four points away from Champions League qualification spots, will be hoping Amorim can replicate the transformative impact he had at Sporting CP.
His journey to Old Trafford, following the departure of Erik ten Hag, represents a significant step in his managerial career. The Portuguese coach’s ability to build winning teams while promoting an attractive, effective style of play has caught the attention of football’s elite, with United betting on his expertise to return them to their former glory.
Amorim’s first test in English football will come quickly, with his debut match scheduled for November 24 at Portman Road against newly-promoted Ipswich Town. This fixture will provide the first glimpse of how he plans to implement his philosophy in the Premier League, with United supporters eager to see if he can translate his success from Portuguese football to the English game.
The dramatic nature of his final victory with Sporting CP turning around a two-goal deficit into a commanding win will surely give United fans hope about their team’s future under his guidance. His ability to inspire such remarkable turnarounds and his track record of success in Portuguese football suggest that Manchester United may have found the right person to lead them forward.
As Amorim prepares to travel to Manchester on Monday to formally begin his new role, he leaves behind a legacy of success and excitement at Sporting CP. His final match not only provided a fitting end to his tenure but also offered a tantalizing preview of the fighting spirit and tactical acumen he’ll bring to Old Trafford.
