Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim's wife strikes up shock friendship with partner of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson as Red Devils coach's family get settled in England

Amorim might be enduring a turbulent first season at Old Trafford, but off the pitch, his wife Maria Joao Diogo appears to be adjusting to life in England in unexpected ways. According to The Sun, the Portuguese manager’s spouse has reportedly developed a close and somewhat surprising friendship with Natalia Loewe, the partner of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Despite their husbands managing and playing for two of English football’s fiercest rivals, the two women are said to have grown close while settling into life in Cheshire, where their families reside.

Adding to the growing Portuguese circle in Manchester, Maria is soon expected to welcome another familiar face to the city. Hugo Viana, who is set to become Manchester City’s next director of football, will be joined by his wife Raquel Viana, who happens to be a longtime friend and business partner of Maria. Together, the two women co-own the interior design firm Dois Tons, which they founded back in Portugal. Their business venture has now become a bridge to renewed companionship as Raquel prepares to move to Manchester, reuniting with Maria in the process.

Though Maria Joao Diogo has built new social connections, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Early reports from those close to the family indicated that she initially struggled to adapt to Manchester’s notoriously gloomy weather. The frequent rain and lack of sunshine reportedly left her longing for Portugal’s warmer and brighter climate.

While Maria's personal life begins to settle down, Amorim's professional challenges continue to mount. Manchester United are currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League, a far cry from their usual top-four ambitions. The Red Devils face a huge test this Sunday when they welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford for one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures - the Manchester derby.