Ruben Amorim reveals Manchester United denied request to join club at end of season - 'It was now or never'

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Ruben Amorim admitted that he "understands" if Sporting fans are angry after he was announced as the next Manchester United manager. He added, in the wake of Sporting's 5-1 Liga Portugal win over Estrela Amadora, that his time at the club had been the best period of his life. On Friday it was announced that Amorim will leave the club for United on November 11.

Man United-bound Ruben Amorim given warm reception as Sporting put on five-star show

Video credit: SNTV

Ruben Amorim said he "understands" if Sporting fans are angry after he was announced as the next Manchester United manager, but revealed the opportunity was "now or never".

Sporting continued their perfect start to their Liga Portugal campaign on Friday night, as prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres scored four goals and Maximiliano Araujo added a fifth to claim a 5-1 victory over Estrela Amadora.

The game was played hours after United announced Amorim would become their new manager from November 11.

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Amorim’s Sporting, who have now won all ten of their league games, are six points clear at the Liga Portugal summit, having played a game more than second placed Porto.

After the win, Amorim looked ahead to his final home game with Sporting, against Manchester City in the Champions League, and said he would "understand" if the fans directed their anger towards him.

Speaking in the mixed zone, he said: “In the next home game, whether we win or lose by 15-0, I'll be there to see what the fans want to give me.

"I understand their anger, but we move on and time heals everything. It was the best period of my life."

Amorim added, via WorldSoccerMag correspondent Tom Kundert: "At the start of the season I talked to the club president and said whatever happens this is my last season at Sporting. The season started very well, then United appeared and paid the clause. I never argued with the president.

"I asked United if it could be at the end of the season. It was what I wanted. United said no. It was now or never. So I had to make a decision. This is exactly the context I wanted [United struggling] because I can do things my way.

"There is no Sporting fan who wanted me to stay until the end of the season more than I did. But it wasn't possible. Some people say it's for money. It's not. Other clubs were prepared to pay three times more and I refused. This is the club [United] I wanted.

"I'm going to take my coaching staff with me. It was one of the conditions."

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Video credit: SNTV

Amid alleged Premier League interest in Gyokeres, Amorim added: "I'm not going to come for any Sporting player in January.

"These years at Sporting have been the best years of my life. Everyone knows how much I loved it here. But it's not my farewell yet!"

Before kick-off, the 39-year-old, who has won two league titles in his four years at the club, including their first in 19 years, received a standing ovation from Sporting fans at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Supporters then belted out a rendition of their club anthem, 'O Mundo Sabe Que', which is sung to the tune of Frank Sinatra's 'My Way'. Amorim responded by applauding and blowing kisses to the crowd.

Swedish striker Gyokeres was subsequently the star of the show, scoring four to take his tally to 16 goals and an assist in just ten league games this term.

His first came in the 19th-minute, pouncing on a loose deflection inside the box, cutting in and curling past Estrela Amadora goalkeeper Bruno.

The 26-year-old's second was a powerful right-footed strike into the roof of the net, and he completed his hat-trick on the stroke of half-time with a well-taken penalty.

At full-time, Gyokeres was asked whether he would be joining Amorim at Old Trafford.

He replied: "I don't know. I'm here, and as you can see, I enjoy it."

He added: "[I'm] sad that Amorim is leaving, he’s done amazing here, we will do the same job and keep the same faith in the team. We all wish him the best."

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