"We will have to adapt ourselves" - Ruben Amorim gives honest verdict on whether Manchester United can 'play' like Sporting CP
Incoming Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim's current team Sporting CP beat Manchester City 4-1 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, November 5. The 39-year-old Portuguese manager's performance excited Red Devils fans, especially since it came against their local rivals, Manchester City.
Some sections of Manchester United fans are expecting more of the same from Amorim when he takes over at Old Trafford. However, the Portuguese coach has downplayed expecting similarities, saying (via Fabrizio Romano):
“We cannot transport one reality to another context. Manchester United cannot play the way we play, they cannot play so defensively, and we will have to adapt ourselves."
Of the several differences, the biggest one is possibly that Manchester United have mostly deployed a four-man back over the years but Amorim's Sporting CP have gained recognition due to their three-man defense formation.
Amorim added (via Guardian):
"Of course, it’s good to beat City. But I’ll be living in a different world, we’ll have to start from a different point.”
A section of Red Devils' fans were expected to keep a keen eye on Sporting CP's game against City, which led Amorim to say that should he win, he could be seen as the next 'Ferguson' by United supporters. Reacting to those comments following the victory, he said:
“I was playing with words when I said that I am not going to read anything for six months. I am going to focus on the team.”
Manchester United's new boss Ruben Amorim reveals he thought about joining Manchester City
Prior to the game against Manchester City, Amorim was also asked if he considered following former Sporting CP sporting director Hugo Viana to the Etihad Stadium.
Amorim said (via Sky Sports):
"Obviously, it's something which crossed my mind but I never had any doubt. My decision has been made, that's the club I want to work for, the context I want to be in, and where I want to continue my career."
Amorim added:
"I didn't want anything else. It is a decision I thought about but was not undecided about it. I wanted Man Utd and that's what I did."
Amorim will take over as Manchester United head coach on November 11. The Red Devils will play PAOK in the Europa League and Leicester City in the Premier League under the tutelage of Ruud Van Nistelrooy before that. Amorim's first game in charge will be against Ipswich Town in the Premier League on November 24.