|
Listen to article
|
The incoming manager of Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, joked that he would be seen as “the new Sir Alex Ferguson” if his Sporting CP side defeats Manchester City.
Both sides face each other in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Read Also: ‘I’m Sorry For Him’ – Guardiola Reacts To Ten Hag’s Sacking
Amorim has already been announced as Erik ten Hag’s replacement, but will officially begin work at Old Trafford from November 11.
The Red Devils have won only four matches from 14 in all competitions so far.
As such, the expectations on Amorim are already high.
Speaking to the media, Amorim said: “I don’t think about that [increasing United fans’ expectations].
“My focus is on winning the match for Sporting. The conclusions are not important for me because they could be erroneous.
“If we win tomorrow they will think the new Alex Ferguson has arrived.
“That will be very difficult to live up to. It could increase expectations. I don’t think about that.”
Ruben Amorim has said the “soap opera is coming to an end” as the Sporting boss promised to provide clarity over his move to Manchester United on Friday.
It had been expected that official confirmation could have come as early as Thursday, but Amorim later said that he would not speak about his future until after Sporting’s league game against Estrela da Amadora on Friday.
Amorim is expected to sign a two-and-a-half-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months, but is unlikely to start in his new role until the November international break.
“The soap opera is coming to an end,” he said in a press conference on Thursday. “The fact that I can’t be so clear creates a lot of difficulty for me.”
United CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth have been concluding talks in Lisbon. Senior Manchester United figures who were in discussions with Sporting flew back from Portugal on Wednesday night.
It is understood the Premier League club have paid Sporting an extra €1m (£840,000) over his €10m (£8.37m) exit clause for an early release from his notice period. There have been discussions around a nominal compensation for the coaching staff Amorim intends to bring to Old Trafford too.
“We will have clarification after the game. It will be very clear. One more day and then we will have the decision made.”
Asked what he liked about the Premier League, a smiling Amorim added: “Everything.”
