'Now or never' - Ruben Amorim reveals the one thing he requested before being appointed Man Utd head coach as outgoing Sporting CP boss sees demand rejected

Manchester United have confirmed Amorim will be the club's new head coach and will take over from Erik ten Hag following his sacking after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham. The 39-year-old arrives with a glowing reputation, described by his new club as "one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football", after two title wins with Sporting and will be charged with bringing major silverware back to Manchester United. Amorim has now spoken about the move and the one thing he asked for before making the switch.

He told reporters: "The season started, we started very well, and then Manchester United came, they pay above the compensation clause and the president defends the club's interests. I never discussed anything with the president. For three days I said I wanted to stay until the end of the season, but then I was told it was not possible. It was now or never, or Manchester would go for another option. So, I had three days to make my mind up, to make a decision that changes radically my life."

Amorim also revealed that plans to take his coaching staff with him, which may spell bad news for interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy who will continue to take interim charge of United until the 39-year-old arrives after the next international break. The Dutchman has made it clear he wants to stay on at Old Trafford but it remains to be seen if Amorim will offer the ex-striker a role.

At the age of 39 years old, Amorim is the youngest Manchester United manager since a 33-year-old Wilf McGuinness took charge of the Red Devils on Boxing Day 1970 against Derby County.

Amorim will take charge of two more Sporting games, against Manchester City in the Champions League and Braga in the league, before moving to Old Trafford. His first game as the new head coach of Manchester United will be against Ipswich Town on November 24.