“Sometimes it can be even a little bit too much” - Portugal star makes feelings clear about Ruben Amorim joining Manchester United
Portuguese striker Jose Fonte has shared his thoughts on compatriot Ruben Amorim's impending move to Manchester United. He heaped praise on Amorim's work at Sporting CP and said that it was only a matter of time before he moved to a bigger club.
Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Amorim as their new manager following Erik ten Hag's sacking on October 28. The Portuguese will take over the reins on November 11 during the international break. Amidst this development, Casa Pia striker Jose Fonte has shared his thoughts on Amorims, saying (via United in Focus):
“It was only a question of time that he would be moving to a bigger club. What I like about him is that he has his philosophy, he has his own ideas. I was speaking with one of his ex-players, Luis Neto, and he was telling me that he’s one of them managers that has this attention to detail, you know, and sometimes it can be even a little bit too much, he was telling me."
“But that’s what makes the difference in my opinion. I think he has the ability to be a great success at Man United, I know him personally. I have played against Sporting a couple of times now and I know how hard it is to play against this team."
The former Southampton, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United explained how Amorim's playing style at Sporting CP can help him at Manchester United. He said:
“The way Sporting plays at the moment, for example, it’s incredible. They have threats in behind, they have threats in between the lines, they build up, they press, they know exactly what to do in every situation of the game, so I’m really looking forward to seeing him in the job.
“My brother, he was managed by him, I spoke many times with my brother about Ruben, even before he was linked with Man United and what he said to me is that he’s obsessed.
"He’s obsessed with football, with training, with coaching and this is something very important if you want to be one of the best and and he’s such a young manager but in every job he’s had, he’s had so much success and that tells you something – he has something special."
Amorim's first game in charge of Manchester United will be their Premier League clash against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on November 24.
Ruben Amorim has a big task ahead at Manchester United
The Red Devils won two trophies under Erik ten Hag - the 2022-23 Carabao Cup and the 2023-24 FA Cup. However, the Dutchman failed to implement a recognizable playing style and the team suffered throughout.
Manchester United finished their lowest-ever eighth in the Premier League last season and were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League group stages. They suffered defeats like 7-0 against Liverpool, 4-0 against Brentford, 4-0 against Crystal Palace, and 3-0 against Tottenham Hotspur, among others.
Hence, it's clear that Amorim has a big task ahead at Manchester United. They have won just five of their 16 games across competitions this season. They sit 13th in the Premier League table and 21st in the UEFA Europa League table.
Before Amorim arrives, Manchester United will face PAOK in the Europa League (November 7) and Leicester City in the Premier League (November 10), both at home. Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to be in charge, having overseen a win and a draw against Leicester and Chelsea, respectively.