Some say Ruben Amorim is stepping into the shoes of a legend, akin to the new Alex Ferguson. As he prepares to take the reins at Manchester United, he has already begun winning the hearts of fans by orchestrating a stunning 4-1 victory for Sporting Lisbon against Manchester City in the Champions League this past Tuesday.
Just before coaching his last home game for Sporting after over four years, Amorim joked that if he managed to secure such a win over City—a team touted as a favored contender for the Champions League title—United fans might jest, “A new Alex Ferguson has landed.” This comparison might appear too grand because, let’s face it, Ferguson’s era at Manchester United from 1986 to 2013 stands as a beacon in football lore. However, for the Red Devils faithful, Amorim might seem like the breath of fresh confidence their club has been thirsting for, especially since Ferguson’s exit over a decade ago, which left a cavernous gap in the club’s fortunes.
Perhaps Amorim could be the one to challenge and outwit Pep Guardiola, City’s managerial maestro.
In Amorim’s own words, he humbly states, “He’s miles ahead of me now,” yet he quickly adds, “I believe so fervently in my new club. We’ll hit the ground from a modest spot, and gradually elevate both team and club.”
The excitement might reach fever pitch if Amorim eventually brings Viktor Gyokeres to Manchester.
This Swedish striker, a dynamo on the field, turned the tide at Estadio Jose Alvalade by netting a hat trick—a feat accomplished with two penalties—securing a phenomenal result in the updated league’s fourth round. A staggering 23 goals in 17 games have adorned Gyokeres’ season thus far.
Amorim has publicly stated he won’t pursue Gyokeres in January, but anticipates the striker will soar to greater heights as the season concludes.
“Viktor should stay till the season wraps,” Amorim commented, “and then, who knows, he might chart a new course.”
Sporting enthusiasts unfurled a massive banner prior to kickoff that read, “Obrigado (thank you) Ruben Amorim,” acknowledging the 39-year-old coach, who recently inked a deal to manage United. He will officially assume his position at United on Monday after fulfilling his remaining commitments with Sporting, which include Sunday’s clash at Braga.
Sporting’s players joyfully tossed Amorim in the air post-match, sharing a heartfelt goodbye lap around the pitch with their departing coach.
“Losing him will be tough. We’ve achieved remarkable feats together,” Gyokeres admitted, highlighting Amorim’s legacy, which encompasses leading Sporting to two league titles in his tenure. “Pressing forward is essential, but we must first face our Sunday match.”
Toppling Manchester City, sending the Premier League champs into a spiral of three consecutive losses—a streak unseen since April 2018—culminated in breaking City’s 26-game unbeaten streak in the Champions League.
Their recent setbacks also included a defeat by Tottenham in the English League Cup last Wednesday and a loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.
A critical moment came when City’s Erling Haaland squandered a penalty at the 69th-minute mark, missing a golden opportunity to change the game’s 3-1 standing. Previously, City had taken the lead with Phil Foden’s goal in the fourth minute.
Reflecting on the match, Amorim remarked, “Fate seemed written against us, as the first half was challenging. We rode our luck, but the tide turned with two rapid goals in the second half. The atmosphere, the energy—everything came together. What an extraordinary night it was!”
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
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