"You need someone who is going to be like that" - Rio Ferdinand highlights difference between Ruben Amorim and ex-Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag
Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Rubem Amorim will bring in the character and charisma needed to manage Manchester United. The former United defender believes Erik ten Hag lacked those at the club.
Ferdinand said Sporting CP were punching above their weight because of Amorim. He believes that the Portuguese manager can replicate it at Manchester United and said on his YouTube channel:
"If Pep Guardiola had gone, I think that [Ruben] Amorim would have been someone that Manchester City were looking at. There are similarities to what Erik ten Hag was doing at Ajax but what I would say is that Amorim took a club that was on a barren spell. [Sporting] couldn't compete with Porto or Benfica, hadn't got near to winning the league – disenchanted fanbase, turmoil behind the scenes. He went in there and immediately turned their fortunes around. He changed their style of football, style of play, and expectations."
"I think the biggest difference between the two (Amorim and Ten Hag), from what I am hearing from people who have played for them but also been around, is the character and charisma compared to Erik ten Hag will be the big difference. United need someone with the character and charisma to go 'you know what, I don't care what has happened here, I see a player in you'. You need someone who is going to be like that. This is a man who built Manuel Ugarte, who has come to Man United. He built a £60m player. He changed the landscape for a football club. That is not easy to do. I don't care what league you are in," he added.
Rio Ferdinand added that former Manchester United star Nani is also a big fan of Amorim. Nani believes the United players will love playing under Amorim and respect him.
When will Ruben Amorim take charge of Manchester United?
Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Ruben Amorim after the sacking of Erik ten Hag. The Portuguese manager will not be taking charge immediately and will have to wait until November 11 to start his Old Trafford stint.
The Red Devils have paid €11 million to sign the manager along with his coaches from Sporting CP. He had a €10 million clause and the Premier League giants had to pay more to get his backroom staff.
Amorim's first match in charge of Manchester United is set to be against Ipswich Town on November 24. Ruud van Nistelrooy will be the club's interim manager until the Portuguese starts.