Ruben Amorim insists he only wanted the Man Utd job after leaving Sporting CP having been approached by multiple other clubs

United confirmed Amorim as their new head coach on Friday, setting the stage for the 39-year-old Portuguese manager to take over from Erik ten Hag on November 11. Although linked to a potential role at Liverpool, where he was rumoured to replace Jurgen Klopp in the summer, talks between Amorim and the Merseyside club fell through, with the Reds ultimately opting for Arne Slot.

Amorim has been transparent about his reasons for choosing United, explaining that his decision was motivated by his vision for the team rather than financial incentives. In a press conference after Friday's 5-1 league victory over Estrela, he revealed he had received multiple offers, including one that would have tripled his earnings, but none matched his aspirations as well as the opportunity at Old Trafford.

"I've had other opportunities - the president and [director of football] Hugo Viana can confirm this. It's not the first or the second time that I have been requested by another team and I don't want another team," said Amorim.

"After Sporting I wanted that one, Manchester, and I want that context because that context allows me to do things my way and the club believes me that way. There's a time when I have to take a step forward in my career. That's what happened. It was harder for me than for any Sporting fan, believe me, but I had to do this. People say 'it's about the money', but there was another team that wanted to hire me before and they paid three times more than Manchester."

Amorim has two significant matches ahead before he heads towards the English shores, including a Champions League face-off against Manchester City and a league encounter with Braga, where he hopes to leave the club in a strong position before his departure.

Emphasising the pride he has taken in his time at Sporting, he added: "It was the best phase of my life. Everyone at Sporting knows. I understand the disappointment of the fans but today is not the farewell. We still have two important games against Manchester City [in the Champions League] and Braga [in the league] to maintain the lead. For three days I said I wanted to stay until the end of the season, but then I was told it was not possible. Now I go home happier because I have explained."

Amorim’s contract, which extends until June 2027, marks him as the sixth full-time manager at United since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. His appointment is a testament to his achievements with Sporting as he guided the Lisbon-based club to two Portuguese league titles, including their first in nearly two decades.

As United struggle in the Premier League, currently sitting at a surprising 14th position after nine games, Amorim’s entry couldn’t come at a more pivotal time. Former United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped in as interim boss and will continue to lead for the next three fixtures - two Premier League matches including the one against Chelsea on Sunday, and one in the Europa League against PAOK - before Amorim officially begins after the international break against Ipswich on November 24.