"The fact that he beat Pep twice is wonderful" - Usain Bolt speaks on Manchester United's decision to hire Ruben Amorim
Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has backed Manchester United's decision to appoint Portuguese tactician Ruben Amorim as their new head coach. The 39-year-old tactician left Sporting CP to join the Red Devils, replacing Erik ten Hag in the dugout at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag spent two years at the helm of affairs at Old Trafford, winning the Carabao Cup in his first season and the FA Cup in his second. The Dutchman was dismissed by the club in October following a dismal start to the 2024-25 season, which left them in 14th place after nearly a quarter of the campaign.
Manchester United moved quickly to appoint Ruben Amorim, a move that excited their fans, including Usain Bolt. The Jamaican sprint king expressed optimism that the Amorim era will be a successful one for the club, pointing out to Sky Sports that the coach had already defeated Pep Guardiola twice.
“I’m really excited! The fact that he (Ruben Amorim) beat Pep twice is wonderful. I heard his first interview, and it seems like he is going to bring identity to the club, and that’s what we were missing—the identity. So, I’m excited to see if the players can work with him and stand behind him and do a great job.”
The 100m and 200m world record holder was wrong in one regard, as Amorim has only managed one victory over Guardiola's Manchester City. Days after his announcement as the new Red Devils boss, the former Braga manager masterminded a 4-1 win for his Sporting side over City.
Ruben Amorim has been vocal about his intent to get Manchester United back to the summit of English football. The coach will take charge of his first game when they visit Ipswich Town after the international break on Sunday, November 24.
Manchester United eyeing move for former academy star - Reports
Manchester United are considering a swoop for Benfica left-back Alvaro Fernandez as they look to reshuffle their left-sided defensive options for Ruben Amorim. CaughtOffside reports that the Spaniard is one of their top targets to add depth to the position due to numerous injury problems.
Alvaro Fernandez left Old Trafford permanently in the summer to join Benfica, but the club inserted a buy-back clause worth a reported £16.7 million in his contract. Amorim is interested in the young left-back.
Manchester United will have no problems negotiating a return for Fernandez, who surely looked forward to playing for the club's senior squad before his summer exit.