'We don't need him' - Ruben Amorim's move to Man Utd not all bad for Sporting CP as captain Morten Hjulmand sees 'positive' side of coach's exit

United announced the signing of Amorim from Sporting last week and clarified that the Portuguese manager will only take over at Old Trafford on November 11. Amorim has been with Sporting since 2020 and has led the side to their first Primera Liga title in 19 years before doing the same last season.

Sporting captain Hjulmand has now opened up on Amorim's departure as the club prepare for life without him. The Danish midfielder also revealed that the Portuguese coach was one of the reasons he made the switch to Sporting as he praised the manager's vision.

Speaking to the media, Hjulmand said: "I see it as a positive challenge to try to be champions without Ruben, which is the main objective of this season. Life goes on and we want to show that we no longer need him. It was difficult for me to know that he is leaving. I was sad. That he was going to leave me too. But in football, opportunities like these happen to players and coaches. It's part of football and I hope Ruben is proud to receive an offer of this kind."

He added: "Ruben was one of the reasons why I came to Sporting. When you are coached by him, you get a clear idea of the way he sees football and how he sees us being part of the team. It's a very important image for the player, to know what his role is, what he can contribute to the team. It was very important when I joined Sporting. The way he sees the players, how he manages the team on and off the field... It's something I've never seen in my career. Manchester United will be in good hands with Ruben."

The Sporting captain will be in action next when Amorim's side take on Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday, November 5.